Zoom Connect Lesson #4: Fight the Good Fight of Faith by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV), Psalm 68:19 (NKJV), Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV), I Corinthians 13:5, and 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

In our daily lives, there is a constant mix of battles, benefits & blessings. In 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) we are told to “Fight the good fight of faith”. We all have some kind of battle going on in our life right now. What has captured your thought life, the battle or the blessings? If the battle has captured all of our attention, then we might not be seeing or realizing the simultaneous benefits and blessings that are in our life right now. Psalm 68:19 (NKJV) says, 19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! The “good fight of faith” always asks you to leave your comfort zone. Faith is always an invitation to move on with God to “something better”. Faith in God helps you to see life differently. You begin to “see” with an eye for possibility. Faith will cause you to reach for and secure what you thought would never happen for you. Faith shakes up the norm by accessing the supernatural. When you put God into your daily, natural battles, you’ll see the supernatural.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q1: Was there ever a time when a dire circumstance required you to walk in faith? Explain.

Q2: Why do we find it so difficult at times to get out of our comfort zones when it comes to walking in faith?

Q3: How can offenses cause us to lose sight of God’s work in us through faith?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Sometimes we do battle for our health, our families, our finances, our gifts, and talents, but if we only see the battle through the eyes of the natural circumstance, then we are fighting a losing battle. Look what Paul says Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV): Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Battle in faith with the power that created the universe, parted the red sea, crushed Egypt’s rebellion, and defeated death, hell, and the grave by raising Jesus from the dead. We need to fight the good fight with the tools of our trade: Faith, commitment, obedience, and God’s truth. Your heart can be bumped, bruised or broken in the “good fight of faith”, but whatever has happened to you, God has promised it’s going to be alright no matter what. We may, from time to time, get bumped,  knocked off course, a little set back for a time, and disappointed for a moment. But stay focused on where you’re going. Don’t get sidetracked. There’s no need to change things, it’s just “a bump”, but getting bruised comes from a harder hit and it leaves a tender spot that isn’t easily “passed over”. The word of the Lord for you is, “Don’t be offended!” The whole idea of an offense is 1) To lose your faith 2) To turn you against people 3) To see things from only a human point of view and not God’s.

Final Thought (2-3 Minutes)

Listen, the scripture says in I Corinthians 13:5, “Don’t take account of a suffered wrong”. Don’t be a “record keeper” of what people have done to you. God’s love takes care of bruises. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) says, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”. Some of you have been bruised so many times that you’re hitting back. Let God deliver you. Remember, God is saying, “It’s going to be alright no matter what”. Being broken-hearted is a very “serious condition.  It means: To break in pieces, rend violently, wreck, crush, shatter, cripple or rupture. This is a lot different than being bumped or bruised, but God’s promise is the same. It’s going to be alright, no matter what, so let’s fight the good fight of faith!

Zoom Connect Lesson #3: Worldwide Resurrection By Pastors Larry and Victoria

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:57, Matthew 28:1-7, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 10:13, Romans 6:4, John 10:10

Overview (5 Minutes)

On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the glorious day of victory for the church. Jesus has risen! Death has been swallowed up in victory! 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) says: “Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Victory is written all over the Easter story. Your “starting point” in life is always your victory in Christ Jesus. Live your victorious life with an unshakable confidence. Let’s read the Gospel of the Good-News:

Matthew 28:1-7 (NLT) says:  1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” He said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you.”

He has risen!  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV) says: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Why is it important to understand that our starting point in life is always victory in Christ Jesus?

#2: How can we ensure that we will obtain and can remain in unshakeable confidence?

#3: What assurance do we get from knowing the Ressurection Power of the Cross?

Life Application - Resurrection Moments  (5-7 Minutes)

1. The Resurrection Power of the Cross has recipients. It’s everyone. Romans 10:13 says: For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

2. The Resurrection Power of the Cross has a reason. It’s a new life. Romans 6:4 says: That we might walk in newness of life.

3. The Resurrection Power of the Cross has a reward. It’s abundance. John 10:10 (TPT) says: I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!

There is an abundance of resurrection moments!

Zoom Connect Lesson #2: Palm Sunday Message By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Romans 10:13 (NLT), Mark 11:8-10 (MSG), Joel 3:14 (NKJV)

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be aware of a greater force that’s at work in our midst right now. Worldwide salvation is taking place. People are praying like crazy. Romans 10:13 (NLT) says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Here we are having just celebrated Palm Sunday or as Pastor calls it, “Salvation March” Sunday and Jesus was leading the march. Mark 11:8-10 (MSG) says, “The people gave Him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in God’s name! Blessed be the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven!’” The crowd was following Jesus into Jerusalem, but they really didn’t understand what He was about to do.

Discussion Questions (25-30 Minutes)

#1: Do you think this pandemic is bringing God into people’s lives? How?

#2: Do you think this pandemic is changing people’s focus and understanding of family and community?

#3: Do you think that people right now are in the midst of making life-changing decisions?

#4. Does this world just need a “political” solution or is it in greater need of a “spiritual” solution?

Life Application (5 Minutes)

On the road to Jerusalem, that day was the Lamb of God, who had come to take away the sin of the world. The prophet Joel said this in Joel 3:14 (NKJV) “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” The multitudes of people that day were declaring “Hosanna!” Actually, they were crying out for salvation. The crowd was right! The Messiah was marching for salvation. That’s exactly why Jesus had come, to bring salvation to the world. Within a week, Jesus would be giving His life on the cross. The shouting crowds thought Jesus was going to be their “solution” as a “political king”. This Easter season, let’s march and shout for the only solution! Jesus, the Savior of the world!

The Arrow of Victory By: Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Kings 13:14-21 (Message context) and Psalm 27:13

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Since we are “closed in” these houses, Pastor said he was reminded of a story in 2 Kings 13:14-21 about Elisha being shut up in his house. There he was, in his home with life closing in all around him. Life as he knew it was coming to an end. Life wasn’t at its “best” for him. Elisha may have been circumstantially weak, but he was strong in spirit. When your walk of faith is being “pressured” remember, no circumstance hinders God’s Word or His promises. Joash the king of Israel came to Elisha and wept over what seemed to him to be a losing battle with his enemy. Elisha had the king do something that seemed in the natural insignificant. Elisha told King Joash to pick up a bow and some arrows and open up a window to the east in the direction of his enemies. Sometimes doing “spiritual things” make no sense in every day natural life. Then Elisha told the king to draw the bow, and he put his hands on the king's hands, then the king shot an arrow out a window and Elisha said: “This is the arrow of victory, victory over your enemy.” Remember it’s through faith that God’s promises are released, bringing victory in any of our life circumstances. Elisha had also told the king to take the other arrows and strike the ground so the king struck the ground three times and stopped. Elisha got angry with him saying, “You should have struck it 5 or 6 times to totally destroy it.” The king didn’t put much effort into Elisha’s word about these being the arrows of victory.

Discussion Questions (20 Minutes)

Q1: What are some ways we can feel circumstantially closed in

Q2: How can we remain spiritually strong in the midst of trouble regardless of natural circumstances?

Q3: Why is it important to be  FULLY compliant to God’s instruction for our lives?

 Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

How much effort are you putting into your spiritual life? You may not be feeling spiritual or very “victorious” right now because of life’s circumstances. It’s what’s in your heart that determines victory or defeat, it’s not what’s in your life circumstances. You may have some fear or a sense of defeat in your heart. Do not believe the lie that you don’t love God or that your life is completely out of order. That sense of fear and defeat knocks on all of our doors. Don’t avoid fear and a sense of defeat. Face it and walk through it! It’s the only thing standing between you and God’s overcoming victory. Life in general always objects to God’s way of doing things. Today with everything that’s going, on you must regain faith or a sense of Christ’s victory. In Psalm 27:13 David said: “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Which came first, believing or seeing? It’s believing or faith that keeps us from despair. It’s not what we see but what we believe. Pick up those arrows of victory, the hand of God is upon your life. Open that window, which is your mouth, and send out God’s word. God will enable you to endure and overcome all of life’s tests and hardships. 

Connect lesson 38: Remember Who You Are! By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (MSG), 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG), Matthew 10:16 (TPT), 2 Timothy 1:6-8 (TPT), Philippians 2:9-11(NLT/TPT)

Overview (5-7 minutes)

In these perilous last days, there is an attempt by spiritual darkness to try and erase our identity in Christ. The means and tools being used are to fill our minds and hearts with fear and misinformed spiritual ideas. When you are born again, you are transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. Old things have passed away and all things become new. The Bible literally calls you a new creation. This new creation is packed with the power and potential of Christ, mighty spiritual weapons, and the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit. Our message last week was titled “Who Do You Think You Are?” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (MSG) says “The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. Culture is the “behaviors” and “beliefs” characteristic of a particular society.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q1: What are some obvious ways in which the enemy tries to erase our identity in Christ?

Q2: Why is society so obsessed with us obtaining a self-serving identity?

Q3: What impact can our lack of both knowledge and spiritual survival skills have on our lives?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

We have a fight on our hands with our massively corrupt culture. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) says, “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” Remember who you are! In a crazy kind of way, the world has “got it right”. We need to clean house and separate ourselves. We need to get up and grow up spiritually and stand our ground. As Paul says, we need to “fit every loose thought and emotion and impulse into ‘the structure of life’ shaped by Christ.” Whose world are you living in? Is it a world devoid of God or a world full of God? Matthew 10:16 (TPT) says, 16 “Now, remember, it is I who sends you out, even though you feel vulnerable as lambs going into a pack of wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes yet as harmless as doves.” Remember who you are! Jesus is telling them that there needs to be a bold combination of uncompromising zeal and calm wisdom as they go out into this dog-eat-dog world. These God-tools are already in our hands for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Timothy 1:6-8 (TPT) says, 6 “I’m writing to encourage you to fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you when I laid My hands upon you. 7 For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. 8 So never be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor be embarrassed over my imprisonment, but overcome every evil by the revelation of the power of God!” Remember who you are! As a new creation, you’re packed with the power and potential of christ, mighty spiritual weapons, and the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Philippians 2:9 (NLT) says Therefore God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name that’s above every name. Who I am is in His name. It’s not in the name of cancer, coronavirus, poverty, or lack of provision. It’s in the name of Jesus, the name above all names. He took upon Himself every sickness. There is power in the name of Jesus. The enemy desires to aggravate you till the day you die. Be encouraged to go to the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:10 (NLT) says, That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Every knee will bow whether you’re a believer or an atheist. He is a God of faith and a God of grace. We are complete in Christ but our imperfections make us beautiful among one another. When we focus on our imperfections, we get off balance. But if we don’t love ourselves, we cannot love others. That’s when Christ becomes elevated in your life. Philippians 2:9-11 in The Passion Translation (TPT) says 9 Because of that obedience, God exalted Him and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names! 10 The authority of the name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence! Everything and everyone will one day submit to this name—in the heavenly realm, in the earthly realm, and in the demonic realm.[a] 11 And every tongue will proclaim in every language: “Jesus Christ is Lord Yahweh,”[b] bringing glory and honor to God, His Father![c]. There is no name greater than the name of Jesus. Every spirit of fear, disease, and calamity must bow its knee because we serve an Almighty God. He is who He says He is! We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Jesus is worthy of all! The servant will be raised up and highly exalted with Jesus. We thank God for His victory. Amen?

Lesson 37: Who Do You Think You Are? By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 (TPT), 1 Corinthians. 2:16B (AMP), 2 Timothy 1:7 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Has the Lord ever spoken to you right in the midst of some pretty crazy stuff? God gave Pastor Larry this word: He said, “Here’s your message: Don’t let the circumstance of life define you.” So...who do you think you are? We often think of ourselves in a variety of ways. It’s like we have spiritual D.I.D (Dissociative Identity Disorder) which is a multiple personality, all of them with their own thoughts. This odd mixture of thoughts determine our decisions and those decisions dictate our behavior depending on where we are and who we are at the time. Our decisions and behavior are controlled by these different “thought platforms”. All of this puts our emotions into a spin and our thinking seems out of control. How many of you feel like your emotions are everywhere? Suddenly you find your relationships are being affected. Here’s the truth: It’s not your circumstances, it’s your thought life. The starting point for your thought life should be your redemptive definition. Some of you need to find out again who you are in Christ. You’ve been so busy in life, defining yourself and redefining yourself that you’ve lost your redemptive identity. Who do you think you are?

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Why do some believers often fall into the trap of lost identity?

#2: Our societal culture today is fixated on “defining who you are”. What is the danger of finding our identity by the world’s standards?

#3: What are some things that can cause confusion in our thought life and have an effect on how we identify ourselves?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

How many of you remember the lyrics to the song “Mr. Big Stuff, tell me who do you think you are?” The lyrics are as follows:  “Mr. Big Stuff, you're never gonna get my love. Mr. Big Stuff, you're never gonna break my heart. Mr. Big Stuff, you're never gonna make me cry. Mr. Big Stuff, tell me just who do you think you are? Mr. Big Stuff, you're never gonna get my love. Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?” See, Mr. Big Stuff, the devil has taken your thoughts captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (TPT) says: We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the anointed one. Spiritual D.I.D destroys our faith and hope. Because of these conflicting thoughts of who you are, your heart is broken, you spend a lot of time crying, your love loyalty is confused, and you can’t stay in relationships. You can break the cycle of these “out of control thoughts” by having the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians. 2:16B (AMP)  says: But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. It’s not your emotions, it’s who you think you are!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)

The devil really thinks he’s Mr. Big Stuff, but the Word says to him, “Who do you think you are?” 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For the Lord God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind.” The Passion Translation says: For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit, Who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. When you meditate on the Word of God and how real it is, He shows us that fear doesn’t belong to us, it isn’t in our covenant rights, God gives faith and grace. He gives miracles, healing, and goodness. The enemy thinks he’s Mr. Big Stuff. He’s thought that from the beginning, but he quickly learned that his day is coming. He will be cast into hell. Fear, sickness, and disease will be eradicated forever. The spirit of grace, healing, victory, and deliverance shows proof of the God we serve. We are His children. We belong to Jesus, we are His ambassadors. You belong to the real Mr. Big Stuff, God Almighty. He created all humanity and He is for you, not against you. He’s given us grace and healing. He’s going to wash us clean, so we can walk as a whole person, spirit, soul, and body. We have His personality and attributes. The Holy Spirit will rule and reign within you! Get your hands ready to worship God and lay hands upon the sick so they will recover! This is about God’s Kingdom, not being separated or ostracized. We serve one God, let us worship Him!

Connect Lesson 36: Monsters or Miracles By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: John 6:16-21 (NLB), 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV), John 12:46, Genesis 50:20-21 (CSB)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

John 6:16 –21 (TLB) 16 That evening His disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn't come back, they got into the boat and headed out across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them as they rowed, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They were three or four miles out when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but He called out to them, "I am here! Don't be afraid." 21 Then they were eager to let Him in, and immediately the boat arrived at their destination!

The monster became a miracle. Listen to what Jesus is saying: “I am here!” “Don’t be afraid.” Let’s say this together, “Jesus is here for me!”  “I will not be afraid”.  In life, we are all headed somewhere when life’s storms hit. Where were you headed in life when the storm hit? Has the “Sea of Life” been growing very rough?  Are you getting a little terrified when suddenly comes the Monster of What’s Next? That thought will place you before the door of “vain imaginations”. Anxious pictures behind that door are the haunting monsters of imaginations. Like the “Monster of Rejection” saying, “You’ll never get that promotion because of who you are” or “You’ll never have anyone ask you out on a date” or “You’ll never get used by God.” Maybe you’ve been attacked by the “Monster of Insecurities and Confusion”.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: How can accepting lies from the Monsters of Rejection, Insecurities, and Confusion be detrimental to your faith walk?

#2: Why do we as believers often fear the Monster of What’s Next?

#3: What can we do to fight off these Monsters when the “the sea of life” seems to be a little too rough?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Another translation says: Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy. Webster defines fantasy as imaginative fiction, featuring strange settings and grotesque characters creating unrealistic or improbable mental images.

Don’t imagine yourself sick or at your funeral. Don’t imagine yourself out of work and on welfare. Don’t imagine yourself divorced or widowed. Bring down the deceptive fantasy! See yourself according to the promises of God. Let your imaginations be filled with the wonders and glory of God’s intentions towards you. Paul says, “Cause every thought to come under the authority of Christ.” Make your mind surrender in obedience to Christ. The truth is that Jesus is here for you with miracles! You don’t need to be afraid! We must learn to minimize the paralyzing power of fear, so we can maximize the potential producing power of faith. When your walk of faith starts taking its direction from feelings, you have just left the path of God’s will that leads to the manifestation of the promise. Jesus comes into our storms and says “I am here, leading you into My promises. I am here, don’t be afraid.” Jesus said in John 12:46 “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness.” Jesus is telling you, “I have come into your storm, I have come into your darkness to bring the light that will dispel it” No more monsters in your mind!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

God will provide a rope of hope to those who are in desperation. He wants to take you to another level spirit, soul and body. We need to keep speaking life into the realm of the Spirit. We have to give Him thanks and exalt Him because He is the God of the impossible. The devil is a liar. God can move in the midst of your circumstances but you’ve got to trust Him. When you put your hands on everything you get the natural, but when you give everything to Jesus you get the supernatural. God is faithful. It’s not just about what you say, it’s about what you declare in the realm of the Spirit. That stays for eternity. Sometimes you can change a person’s life with just 6 words and it’s there forever. When you’re given the opportunity, take it, but know that God’s already working it. Genesis 50:20-21 (CSB) says: You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result - the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid, I will take care of you and your children and He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. The NIV says in verse 20: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. What the enemy meant for your harm and evil God is going to turn for good and use it for His supernatural purpose. Amen! 

Connect Lesson #35: Get Going in God’s Glory by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Mark 9:23, John 20:29, Ephesians 5:27(TPT)

Overview (5-7 minutes)

As the church, our theme for this time of transition has been: New Beginnings Are Here: Start and Finish Strong. The Church of Jesus Christ has always been in and will continue to be in transition. Transition is defined as: Movement, passage or change from one stage to another. New beginnings are always here. What we are experiencing as the body of Christ right now is nothing new or strange. What we need to do is believe that we are going to start and finish strong. We cannot afford to forget what it means to believe. Believing is expecting God’s best in every situation. Believing is your faith actively reaching forward right now to grab hold of what God has promised. Believing is getting you thinking in line with God’s word. Jesus said in Mark 9:23 All things are possible to him who believes. Jesus also said in John 20:29 Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed. So, transition is about believing and moving forward in faith more than anything else.

Discussion Questions (20-25 minutes)

#1: Why do people sometimes have a hard time with “transition”?

#2: Why is it important to remain strong in our belief during times of transition?

#3: What can happen if our focus becomes more about the building and organizational aspect of the church rather than its intended purpose?

Life Application (5-7 minutes)

Our focus right now must remain on believing, not just on a building. The Church is not just a brick building or simply a human organization. The Church was born through the resurrection power of Christ. Then, people put their hope, trust, love, and belief in the name that’s above every name. We need to see and understand that the Church is more than a natural experience. The Church of Jesus Christ is supernatural. It’s held together by the power and glory of God through believing and unity, not held together by brick and mortar. When it comes to the Church, we cannot take it for granted, handle it lightly, or carelessly talk about it. We need to understand that: We Go because we are called in Christ Jesus, We Belong because we are redeemed in Christ Jesus, We Stay because we are accepted in Christ Jesus, and We Serve because we are identified in Christ Jesus. We are the church of Jesus Christ! Our “transition” centers in going from glory to glory, not “building to building”. Let’s get going in God’s glory. Take what you’re experiencing in life now and give glory to God through your attitudes and actions. God, by His Spirit and by His resurrection power, wants to transition your loss into His glory, transition your suffering into His glory, and transition your struggle into His glory. Ephesians 5:27 (TPT) says: All that He does in us is designed to make us a mature church for His pleasure, until we become a source of praise to Him— glorious and radiant, beautiful and holy, without fault or flaw.

Our focus right now must remain on believing, not just on a building. Amen.   

Connect Lesson #34: A Busy Life Will Trick You By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References:  2 Thessalonians 2:15 (TPT), Galatians 6:9 (TPT), Hebrews 3:13 (NCV), Acts 2:42 (NIV), 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (TPT), Hebrews 10:25 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

You will notice that as we move into what the Bible calls the “last days”, deception will increase. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (TPT). In life, how many of you are more tired out than you are fired up?  Being tired out doesn’t make you a “bad Christian”, it makes you a “busy Christian” who has been tricked in how you sow. Read Galatians 6:9 (TPT). We are allowing ourselves to become so weary and disheartened that we are too busy to plant good seeds.  We can live one of two ways: #1. You live life and you’re “fired up” or #2. Life lives you and you’re “tired out”. Read Hebrews 3:13 (NCV). Without daily encouragement from each other as believers, we become susceptible to sin’s tricks and hardness of heart.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: What are some things in our lives that can easily “tire us out” as believers?

#2: What are some ways we can avoid being tricked in how we sow our time, talent and treasure?

#3: Why is fellowship with other believers so important?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

The “trick of sin” is to get you to believe a lie about God’s Word, God’s intentions, those who love you, and about yourself. One of those “tricky lies”  is that fellowship with other believers isn’t important. We make excuses as to why we don’t fellowship with other believers because we’re deceived into not believing it’s important. There is more emphasis put on secular activities than there is on Christian fellowship. For proof, just take a look at your schedules. The early church had a different take on the scheduling of their time. Read Acts 2:42 (NIV) Out of their fellowship came signs and wonders. Needs were being met, lives were filled with praise, the favor of God and growth.

Too many secular activities tire you out, but Christian fellowship fires you up. We need to make greater investments in spiritual activities, less sowing to the flesh and more sowing to the Spirit. Sowing to the flesh means living for the flesh or satisfying our own sinful nature. In other words, we are investing more time and money on things that won’t last. But “sowing to the Spirit” means spending time and money on “things eternal”. Here is a statement about money that will help you understand why you must spend it right: Money is merely time minted, so we can spend it again. As Christians, we really need to ask ourselves, “Are we spending more time and money on the flesh or on the Spirit?” In order to grow in grace or to reap spiritual fruit, we need to sow more to the Spirit. It takes faith and patience to sow to the Spirit, but God promises a harvest in due season at the right time. A busy life will trick you. Being tired out doesn’t make you a “bad Christian”, it makes you a “busy Christian” who has been tricked in how you sow.

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)

Hebrews 3:13 shows us that we need each other. We need each other for accountability and strength. You don't want to be lonely and isolated because you become the prey of the enemy. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (TPT) We need each other more than ever. We are brothers and sisters. The church needs to set an atmosphere that can help us to be followers of God so we may persevere. We need the Holy Spirit to come and strengthen us and speak to us so we can be healed in our families, bodies, and finances. We need Him more than ever. We get MRIs and XRays to see what’s inside of us. God wants the same. He wants us in the Word so we can expose the devil. God will reveal every little thing that is against you. He’ll make you smarter and more gifted when you stay in the Word. God is so good. Read Hebrews 10:25 (TPT). We don't need to neglect or hang back, but we need to dive into those waters so we may see wonders and obtain peace and joy. We need to be the Army of God so we can stand up for righteousness. We need to declare who we are. We are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. The devil is under the soles of our feet, we are complete in Christ. We are more than enough because He is more than enough. Together, we are united and no weapon formed against us will prosper. We are able because we are more than conquerors! Amen.

Connect Lesson #33: Built for Beauty, Not Brutality by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV), Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV), Psalm 139:13-14 (MSG), Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT), Titus 1:15 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Last week, we talked about how in Christ Jesus you are built for blessings, not for blame. Stop blaming yourself for things you have no control over. When we live within the limited boundaries of blame, we become blind to the countless expressions of God’s love. Listen, the Lord will save you and will not let you be defeated, blamed, or defined by the bad you’re facing in life. You are blessed, not blamed! Our message before that was “Built for Battle, Not Beaten”. In Christ Jesus, we are mighty soldiers of the Lord, victoriously equipped for every battle. Anything you’re fighting right now was placed on the cross and beaten by the blood of Jesus into a glorious victory. That message taught us to let the battle build you, not beat you! This week, we want to talk about how we are built for beauty, not brutality. Brutality means: Curlily, viciously dismissively, harassingly, furiously, demandingly, exhaustingly, irrationally, and unreasonably. God didn’t build you for this! Read Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV).

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What are some ways we allow ourselves to bear unnecessary burdens of “brutality”?

Q#2: What must we do to recognize that we were built for more?

Q#3: How can we encourage others to recognize that we are all “built for beauty”?

We are all familiar with the story of beauty and the beast. You had to “get beyond” the “brutality” of the beast to see His beauty. There’s something beautiful on the other side of life’s brutality. God says,”I will give you beauty, but you must give Me your ashes. People at this time would sit in ashes or cover themselves with ashes to express mourning or loss, such as grief over a distressing situation. Maybe you’re covered with anger, unforgiveness, depression, denial or a phony attitude. God will give you beauty, but you have to give Him your “ashes”. His beauty is His holiness or (wholeness), His justice, mercy, glory,  goodness, truth, dignity, reputation, and His honor. God says, “I will give you the oil of joy, but you must give Me your mourning, your tears, and your brokenness.” God says, “I will give you the garment of praise, but you must give Me your spirit of heaviness, your sadness and your rejection of others.” This is why life isn’t changing for you. You’re holding on to “brutality” instead of reaching for “beauty”. You’re built for “beauty” not “brutality”. People, at times, are unreasonable with us, including our friends, our family, and the people we work with, but the worst is when we are unreasonable with ourselves. So when you’ve done something “brutally stupid” or been treated with brutality, give Him your ashes for “His beauty”, mercy and justice. You are built for beauty, not brutality!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)

This message could also be titled “Beauty or the Brute” serving as a representation for how our attitudes can sometimes have an effect on how we see things with God.  When we fail to recognize our beauty, we can make an “ASH” out of ourselves. The appropriation of the word is all about our attitude. Will we follow the Beatitudes or simply “Be” an attitude? God has the ability to make beauty out of any brutal situation. He can take unequally yoked marriages and create powerhouse couples for the kingdom that can last a lifetime. We need to be adorned by the beatitudes. God knows your measurements. He created us. He formed you! He didn’t require certain measurements from you. Read Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) You are fearfully and wonderfully made! God knows you inside and out. God looks at the heart and destiny. We are built for beauty not brutality. Read Psalm 139:13-14 (MSG) The True beauty is within. If you don’t like how you look on the outside, if you’re unhappy with who you are, remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God is the supreme designer of everything. If God is well with it, we should be well with it also. Everybody likes something different. Read Psalm 139:13-14 (TPT). Ever think about how you were made and how much your heavenly Father loves you? We need to Be the Attitudes of God. They are antibiotics from God’s pharmacy. He’s the complex vitamin that keeps us sharp. God has special plans for each of us. If we knew that, our lives would soar, instead of fall. Read Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)

The Kingdom of God belongs to us - We need to be conscious of our need to depend on God. We’ve got to stop being demanding and unreasonable, we’ve got to be kind. Are you sad? Be comforted by the Spirit of God. Take time to minister to the broken. Do you need an inheritance? A blessing? You’ve got to be humble. Leave the bragging rights behind. Physical food cannot satisfy the longing we have within us. Everybody needs grace and mercy, we need to show grace and mercy to others, not condemnation. We all need God’s glory and God’s grace. When the world comes to you and is unjust, know that God will be your avenger because of your pure heart. Stay engaged with God’s Word. If they hated Christ, they’re going to hate you. The spirit of Jezebel hates and doesn’t know why. You cannot give up on people. You’ve got to fight with God until you win. Know that God is going to turn things in your favor. If you’re pure in heart you will see right. We are built for beauty not brutality, we’re going to be blessed! We are the peacemakers, sons and daughters of God! Be the witness to those who speak out against you. Read Titus 1:15 (TPT)

Connect Lesson #32: Built for Blessings Not Blame By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Psalm 34:19 (TPT), Psalm 40:5 (TPT), Matthew 26:39 (TPT), Philippians 2:9 (TPT), Hebrews 6:18-20 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

This past Super Bowl Sunday, Pastor Larry talked about the need to “gear up for the many blessings and not be burdened with the blame”. He used the following illustration: 32 teams are now in the NFL. 6 of those teams were in the playoffs. 2 of those teams will play the Super Bowl and in its 100-year existence, 4 teams have never been to the Super Bowl, but no matter the “stats”, there is still a blessing in “playing the game”. In Christ Jesus, you are built for blessings, not for blame. What benefit is derived from placing the blame on someone or something for a lack of blessings, a low score, or a lost game? Read Psalm 34:19 (TPT) If you’re facing a scoreboard in life that says you have “lost the game”, listen to this: the Lord will save you and will not let you be defeated, blamed, or defined by what you’re facing in life. You are blessed, not blamed. When playing sports,  there is always the reality of the next game or the next season in life. You have to see things moving forward like that, don’t take the blame, take the blessing.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Question #1: Without going into too much detail, what do you think the “scoreboard” for your life is reading right now? Are there some things you feel you’re taking the blame for at this moment?

Question #2: What are some ways we can encourage one another to “keep playing the game” despite taking a few losses?

Question #3: What are some things we should remember when we’re faced with a “not so hot” record or season in life?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Remember, God has a plan to get you beyond it! Every time, not sometimes! No matter what life‘s scoreboard looks like, God has more blessings for you. Read Psalm 40:5 (TPT) When we live within the limited boundaries of blame, we become blind to the countless expressions of God’s love. You are blessed, not blamed! Things in Jesus’ life began to head in a downward spiral and the earthly scoreboard of His life was about to dramatically change.  He was leading the way in healing and miracles, signs and wonders, crowd size and response. Jesus was lighting up the scoreboard, fireworks were going off everywhere, the game was about to change. Read Matthew 26:39 (TPT) Notice in this scripture, the shift from the effect of blame to blessing. When we shift from our plan to His plan, from blame to blessing, heaven shows up with strength no matter how life looks. God has plans of blessings. What we want is not important. Lord, we only desire to fulfill Your plan for us. Read Philippians 2:9 (TPT) Because of that obedience, God exalted Him and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names! Like Jesus, you are built for blessings not blame. Keep your eye on God‘s promises, not life’s scoreboard. Blame, guilt, and shame are never payments for our sins. They never change the scoreboard, they will only paralyze you and cause hopelessness to overshadow your victory in Jesus. In Christ Jesus,  you are built for blessings, not for blame.

 Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

We are equipped with power. We have unshakable hope. We play to the end. When we are walking with Christ, we feel pressured at times. We feel like the ball is in our hands and we have to be the one to make the touchdown. But it’s not your responsibility, it’s Christ in you. He’s the unshakable hope you have to hold onto. Faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things not seen. When you hold onto the hope, you can get the victory, the touchdown and you don’t have to take the blame in the game. Jesus took our guilt and our blame, He took it at the cross so that we were built to win, run and conquer. Hebrews 6:18 (TPT) If you know that God will not lie and He’s given us a promise for us to use as part of His covenant for His kids, it’s not going to change.  What we are believing for with God is going to change things. We know that there is a win in Christ. We’re on an undefeated team. We’ve got bragging rights with Jesus. We are on the best team, no one can conquer Him, no one can compare to Him. He’s more powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword. We have to run into His heart to hide ourselves in His faithfulness. This where we find His strength and comfort. This leads to an unshakeable hope. We have a certain, unshakeable hope like a strong unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God Himself. Our anchor of Hope is fastened to the Mercy Seat which sits on the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold. Were already seated there with unshakeable power hope, deliverance love freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ. What God created for us was perfection and authority to rule and reign in heaven, already seated and anchored by hope, connected to Christ Jesus our Lord. We’re on winning team and there’s a touchdown for every need we have! Amen.

Connect Lesson #31: Built for Battle, Not Beaten: A Message By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 2 Timothy 2:3 (TPT), Romans 8:5-8 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The Lord spoke a word to Pastor Larry this week and He simply stated this: “Let the battle build you, not beat you! Pastor Larry then shared the following story:

During the Civil War, there was a regiment of Wisconsin infantry under fire for the first time. The color sergeant was a college student named Jerome Davis. The regiment was ordered to advance and hold a certain ridge. Davis marched as ordered until he gained the ridge. Crouching behind a stump, he looked back and saw the regiment wasn't there. As Davis looked down the slope, he saw the ragged line wavering and threatening to break as bullets flew and men fell, but sergeant Davis held his ground. A few minutes later, an orderly came forward crawling on his stomach. He cried from a distance: "Sergeant Davis, bring the colors back!" Davis shouted this reply: "The colors are where they belong; bring up the regiment!" They did and won the battle.

As a leader in the army of the Lord, Pastor Larry echoes Sergeant Davis' cry: “The colors are where they belong; bring up the Army of the Lord!” The colors for the Army of the Lord is the message of our victory through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul makes the following declaration: Read 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. Bring up the Army of the Lord in the heat of the battle. When everything seemed lost, the orderly said to sergeant Davis, “Bring the colors back!” Sergeant Davis said, "We are not going to change the command of ‘advance and hold the ridge’. The colors are where they belong. Bring up the regiment!”

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Describe a troubling encounter you’ve had where you may have felt like the “orderly” of the situation. How were you able to overcome it? 

#2: How can we urge one another as soldiers in the Lord’s Army to advance on the enemy, despite overwhelming odds and circumstances?

#3: Do you believe strong spiritual leadership is needed now more than ever today? Why?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Like sergeant Davis, Pastor is not in a place to change the command of “the Commander and Chief”. We have been commanded to advance and hold our place in the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. Say it, “I’m built for battle”. The Army of the Lord is called to rally around the message of our victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. Let’s bring up the Army of the Lord. People look for “quick results” that require “little sacrifice”. Paul had this to say to Timothy: Read 2 Timothy 2:3 (TPT) Today, the real battle with evil is disguised as life’s pleasures without God. There’s a difference between the joys of life with God and the pleasures of life without God. Adam and eve, in the garden before their fall, experienced the joys of life with God.  But when they ate the forbidden fruit, they experienced the pleasures of life without God and that’s called sin! Here is how you become a good soldier of Jesus Christ, how the “battle” will “build you” and not “beat you” and how you will “advance and hold the ridge”: Read 1 Corinthians 15:58 (TPT) We know that we “prosper and excel” in “every season” by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

What is your pulse today for the kingdom of God? It’s important to know. Are you alive under Jesus? If you’re fighting anxiety and fear, check your pulse. Read Romans 8:5-8 (TPT). We can’t be dominated by a sinful nature, we can’t be people OF the world, we’re people IN the world who have the Kingdom of God moving through us so we may rescue others. What is your impulse today? Who’s got your attention, your time? Jesus must be a major part of your life, you take Him everywhere, you are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Think about it. Every conversation, everything you’re viewing, you’re taking the Holy Spirit with you. It’s like taking your mentor everywhere.  Check your spiritual pulse, is it the pulse of God.  Are you built for battle? Christ in us makes us righteous, but we still have choices. Are you going to have the pulse of the world or of God? Are you going to have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost and the favor of God? We can’t correct yesterday, but we can make changes today. It’s simple. Do you want a healthy pulse or one of guilt and condemnation? You belong to the Father, you have greatness because of His covenant. A worldly mindset refuses to submit to God’s plan. Resistance is only as good as your submission. God finds no pleasure with those controlled by the flesh. He hates evil, but He loves you. The Spirit of God is empowering us. Goodness and Mercy follow us. You are not dominated by the flesh, but by the Spirit! This makes you built for battle and not beaten! We can taste abundant life. God champions us for victory. We have peace and can live as His ambassadors. Be moved by the impulses of the Spirit. We sometimes miss it and we need to reset. We need to act within the moment. When God leads, we must respond. The Spirit will quicken your mortal body when you’re meditating on connecting to God. Those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Will you adhere to the voice of God today? Be built for battle!

Connect Lesson 30: Moving Forward Fearlessly By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Luke 12:32 (NKJV), Romans 14:17 (KJV), Joshua 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21 (TPT), Ephesians 2:8-10 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

We’re going to make 2020 a fearless year, but in order to do that, we’ve got to take a look at one very specific aspect of fear as it relates to us moving forward. As most of you know, fear always tries to hold us back. It’s a weapon that impedes forward motion. Faith, on the other hand, is forward reaching. Read Luke 12:32 (NKJV) The fear is in you thinking you’ll not receive the gifts of God’s kingdom provisions. God the Father has, in Jesus, given you the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul gives us this great reminder in the book of Romans: Read Romans 14:17 (KJV). You’ve been given righteousness  (right standing and acceptance with God). You’ve been given peace (security and well-being with God). You’ve been given joy, (a deep assurance with God that ignites gladness). God is with us and we are moving forward fearlessly. We read in the book of Joshua that after the death of Moses, God encourages Joshua to fearlessly lead the Israelites into the promised land. Read Joshua 1:9. Fear always attacks three fronts: #1. Fear over the enemy (fear of the outside), #2. Fear over your weakness (fear of the inside) and #3. Fear over your task (fear of the unknown).

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: How can fear easily blind us from seeing the provisions God has already provided for us?

#2: Have there ever been times when you’ve allowed fear to dictate a life situation? How did it affect you?

#3: How can we allow the Kingdom of God to penetrate our hearts so we that may receive true righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

First, let’s look at fear over the enemy (fear of the outside). Joshua 1:9 says, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed...because I command you”. Strong’s Concordance says the phrase “I command you” means: You have been appointed a messenger with My authority. So, our first defense in Moving Forward Fearlessly (or MFF #1) is that we have power over all enemies! Now, let’s look at fear over your weakness (fear of the inside) Joshua 1:9 says, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed...because I made you strong and courageous”. Strong’s Concordance says this phrase means: Inside, you are bold and secure! So, our next defense in Moving Forward Fearlessly (or MFF #2) is that we have power over all fiery darts! Finally, let’s look at fear over your task (fear of the unknown). Joshua 1:9 says, Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed because I am with you wherever and in whatever. Strong’s Concordance says this phrase means: Jehovah, the self-existing One, is with you. So our final response in Moving Forward Fearlessly (or MFF #3) is that we have power and prosperity over all pursuits! So, while fear may attack us on three fronts, remember we will move forward fearlessly with power over our enemies, power over the fiery darts and power & prosperity over all pursuits!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)   The Holy Spirit wants us to open our eyes to who we really are. The key to our salvation is believing in Him, being washed of our sins and becoming the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Yes, we’re comfortable with receiving salvation, but not calling ourselves “righteous” and it’s because we’re negative by nature. But when we allow God to move and we start to accept who we are, something extraordinary begins to happen. We’re able to combat doubt, unbelief, guilt, and condemnation because we realize that it’s not our righteousness, its His. Sometimes, we develop a sort of “payback” mentality as if we’re going to pay back God for all he’s done for us, but that’s wrong. We must have an attitude of gratitude, developing a desire to be more like Him. Getting out of that mentality causes us to stop “working” and we won’t condemn ourselves for messing up. The Redeemer has cleansed us from unrighteousness and made us the righteousness of God in Christ. Getting the revelation that we’re loved and not saved by works, thinking we’re gonna miss heaven, gives us the liberty to walk free from attacks and the battlefield of the mind. We need to get the mind of God into our heart because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The Rhema Word is the Word whether preached, taught, shouted or done in silence, the God within you makes it happen, helping you to win and live a life of faith, not of doubt and unbelief. It puts up a standard against fear. He’s here to help. He’s called and quickened us, we belong to Him, and are partakers of His divine nature. We’re seated with Him because of who He is, greater is He that is in me then he that is in the world. At times we get sidetracked, putting off our time alone with God, maybe it’s even just to watch that one more episode of our favorite show, but then soon after, condemnation sets in. But we all make mistakes. God loves us all equally, He’s a just God and we’re to be in love with Him and love people, not judging, but edifying. Love wins all. Only the Agape love can cover all sins. Love lets things go. It keeps you giving and forgiving and it keeps encouraging and showing up for others, not to show out. Only God knows the intents of our hearts, it can be deceitfully wicked. We need to bow our knees and get a heart charge, The simple things confound the wise, God uses the weak things. Jesus became sin so we may become righteous. Read 2 Corinthian 5:21 (TPT). Do you have a dream? A vision? It takes that extra passion to give your life to others who are not bold, but it’s in you. Remember, righteousness is not a payback. We serve because we love. Read Ephesians 2:8-10 (TPT). It’s not payback, its a reunion. Negativity and the comfort of the flesh - it likes doing works because it’s familiar, it makes you boastful. God loved us when we were in our greatest mess. You can never do enough in the natural, so quit trying. Every day with Jesus is greater and better. Let go of the old, embrace the new. God is so good and we’re connected to the Anointed One! Declare that you are joined with Him! We are more than conquerors! Amen   

Connect Lesson 29: Get Over What’s Over By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Philippians 3:13-14 (TPT), Philippians 2:5-9 (TPT), Ruth 1:16-17, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 16:20 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

In order for this to be a “new year”, we have to get over some things from years past. It’s time to tell yourself, “I’m getting over what’s over!” One of the most powerful and compelling Bible statements is found in Philippians 3:13-14 (TPT) 13 I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this...you’ll never get “over what’s over” if you depend upon your own strength, you’ve got to reach down into the greater one in you. Verse 13 reads on: ...however I do have one compelling focus...let’s stop right there. To get over what’s over,  you only need one compelling focus. Verse 13 continues... I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. Forget and fasten. Some of you have figured out this fastening thing, but it’s to your past. You’re “fastened to” your past. Fasten means: to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else. So, it’s like being attached to your past. We need to “forget” about the past and get “fastened” to what God has promised in our future.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: What are some indications that one might be “fastened to their past”?

#2: How can being “fastened to your past” impact your future?

#3: How can we encourage one another to forget the past and fasten ourselves to the future?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Read Philippians 3:14 (TPT) Fasten yourself to the divine invitation, fasten yourself to the anointing of Jesus, fasten yourself to the victorious prize. “Forget the past” and “fasten yourself to the future”. Read Philippians 2:5-8 (TPT) In order for it to be a “new day” for humanity, Jesus had to get over some things from His past. He became “The Way” for us to “forget and fasten”. The apostle Paul explains how He did this, in fact, He said he was a perfect example. Philippians 2:7 says: He emptied himself of His outward glory by reducing Himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! 8 He humbled Himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He came down so we could go up! Now you can get over “what’s over”. Read Philippians 2:9 Because of that obedience, God exalted Him and multiplied His greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names! Now, you can forget and fasten yourself to the victorious prize!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

When you get over what happened “yesterday”, you can begin anew. We can believe that we’re gonna get back everything we’ve lost and more. When we take a look at Ruth in the scriptures, you’ll find that she’d lost everything. She was devastated. After losing her husband through death and the overwhelming thought of her mother-in-law Naomi leaving, there was a new awaking of love and dedication within her. Read Ruth 1:16-17. Ruth and Naomi had a beautiful relationship. Ruth wanted to be encouraged by and stay connected with Naomi, maintaining accountability, so she wouldn’t get left behind. We all need a new beginning. We all need an encouraging voice and we need to be encouragers. We all need accountability. We all get into difficult places that we didn’t create, locked into scenarios that were not of our making. There are things we can’t change in the natural, but the Redemptive One can give us a new start, creating life even greater. When Ruth met Boaz (a foreshadowing of Christ) he became a kind of “redeemer” for her life. When we’re at a crossroads, and it seems like life is over and we’ve given up, we’ve got to trust our Redeemer, saying “I’ll go, I’ll follow, and I’ll take a new path in life”. In transitional times, we could either do well or not so well. If you don’t get over what’s over then you can become broken-hearted. Studies show that broken-hearted people, if not healed, often do not make it. Out of the heart flow the issues of life. Optimism alone won’t carry you through. It requires dependence on God. Sometimes we place due dates on our lives for an expected miracle and when not received, hopelessness can set in. But like Ruth, sometimes we’ve got to leave it all and seek our Redeemer. She lost it all but got everything back and more. Read Ephesians 3:20 (TPT) We’ve got to continually keep the Word in front of us or we will perish. Never doubt God’s mighty power will accomplish this “new” in you. He has not given up on you or forsaken you. God makes the latter greater. Get a bigger vision of who you are. As the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you are in a powerful place. Pray from the power and position of who you are and not from the circumstances facing you. Do you believe in the transformative power of God in the midst of your wait? With Jesus, it’s always a win-win. The Word of God doesn’t return void. We’ve got to stir the gift within us we’ve got to get excited about the Word of God. Get a new vision. Remind yourself who you are. Read Romans 16:20. Do you believe that you are surrounded by the Word of God and that the enemy is pounded underneath you? God is all-powerful and able to carry out the vision He’s given us! Amen? Let God Arise.

Connect Lesson 28: Three Steps In or Out By Pastor Larry Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (TPT), Galatians 1:10 (TPT), Galatians 1:10 (TPT), Read 2 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV), 2 Corinthians 4:9, Colossians 4:7-14, 1 John 2:15-17 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Last week, in our message entitled “A New Day in the Neighborhood”, we asked 2 important questions.  #1: Will 2020 be just “another day” in the neighborhood or will it be “a new day” in the neighborhood? #2: Will 2020 just be “business as usual” or will it be the beginning of something “unusually beautiful”? We saw that our lives can get turned around like Saul of Tarsus when he was converted and became the apostle Paul. We will need to make new decisions, take new directions and partake in new dedications in 2020! Your life, like Paul’s, can get turned around or converted through these 3 simple steps. Conversion is a spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness, from what’s wrong in life to what’s right, from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. Before there’s any kind of conversion, there is always conviction. 

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (TPT) Conviction is heaven’s way of letting your heart know what’s right or wrong. 2020 will be filled with blessings as we say “yes” to God’s Word. It comes down to following these three simple steps:

Step 1. Conviction (Your response). Step 2. Compliance (Your agreement). Step 3. Compensation (You’re in).

This is what happened in the apostle Paul’s life. In writing to Timothy, he spoke of a brother in Christ, who was living his life quite the opposite. You could say he was “striking-out”. His name was Demas, which means “popular”. Read what Paul says in Galatians 1:10 (TPT). There’s three strikes and you’re out:

Strike 1. Conviction (Ignoring it). Strike 2. Complacency (Self-satisfaction). Strike 3. Cost (You’re out).

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Why is it important to heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

#2: How can ignoring conviction be detrimental to your spiritual walk?

#3: How can saying “Yes” to the Word of God keep you from “striking out” in the game?

Personal strikes don’t have to take you out of the game. Just say, “Yes!” to the Word of God. Demas' life has provided one of the most powerful teaching moments about “striking out” because of a lack of passion to please God. Read 2 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV) The Word of God doesn't “hide” from us. There were “strike outs” in the Old and New Testament from men of God like Moses, David and Peter. When you strike out, you’re not taken out of the game. That doesn’t happen unless you take yourself out of the game.  2 Corinthians 4:9 says Struck down, but not destroyed or abandoned. Your walk with God continues, not through flawless perfection, but through on-going passionate faithfulness. Read 2 Timothy 4:10 again: “Demas has forsaken me (deserted me) having loved this present world (loved his own life) and has departed”. Notice not a lot is said about Demas in the New Testament, but it’s enough to give us clarity on what can happen if we “don't” handle “conviction” correctly. The apostle Paul listed Demas along with the apostles, like Mark and Luke as one of His fellow laborers in Philemon 1:24. But then in Colossians. 4:14, he is simply called Demas. Read Colossians 4:7-14 The apostle Paul put some kind of a "spiritual adjective" on everyone except Demas.

In Vs 7, Tychicus, is a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant. In Vs 9, Onesimus, is a faithful and beloved brother. This happens all the way through the chapter until it gets to Demas. Verse 14 says “Luke, the beloved physician and Demas greet you”. This is an interesting and sad digression of favor. The 3rd and last time Demas is mentioned can be found in our text 2 Timothy 4:10. He goes from: Demas, a fellow laborer to Demas: (nothing said) to: “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world and has departed.” That was Strike 3. This all happened by degree. Demas' “strike out” was caused by a change in his love. Read 1 John 2:15-17 (TPT). Demas chose the popularity of the world over his faithfulness to Christ & His cause. We have to understand that "worldliness" is just as much an "attitude" as it is an “activity". It's a gradual process:

Step 1: Creating “friendship” (an affair) with the world (James 4:4.). Step 2. Getting “spotted” (or corrupted) by the world values (James 1:27). Step 3. Becoming “conformed” to (or copy) the world (Romans 12:2)

1 Corinthians 11:32 says: Conformity leads to condemnation with the world. The Message Translation says: “A fiery confirmation”. Later, Demas was first, unfaithful to the Word of God, then he was unfaithful to his walk as a believer, and lastly, he was unfaithful to the people who needed and who loved him. 2020 Can be a year of great compensation/payoffs if you just take these three steps…three steps and you’re in:

Step 1. Conviction (Respond) Step 2. Compliance (Submit) Step 3. Compensation (You’re in!)

2020 will bring manifestations of what you live for and who you live for? Will you “step into” His favor, abundance, power, and glory? 2020 is the Year of Plenty…Plenty of what?

Connect Lesson 27: The Spirit of Christmas Favor Present By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 John 3:8 (NKJV), Matthew 1:18-21 (NKJV), Luke 2:52 (NKJV)  

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Our series for this Christmas season is titled “Christmas Favor”. We are looking at the Spirit of Christmas Favor: Past, Present, and Future. It’s a favor that flows from the heart of God. Favor is defined as: Excessive kindness or unfair partiality, preferential treatment. There is nothing fair about favor. In fact, you could say favor isn’t fair. When you team up Christmas and favor, you end up with Christmas Favor. It helps if you understand that Christmas is all about God‘s plan of salvation. There’s a promise of favor on your salvation. You cannot remove favor from God’s plan of salvation. In tonight’s session, we’re going to look at God’s favor on the execution of the plan of salvation or the favor on the birth of Christ. We want to step into the story as if it were happening at this present time. Again, Christmas is all about God’s plan of salvation. When you look at the birth of Christ, you see a broad group of people who were involved. At the center, you have Mary and Joseph and some family members like Elizabeth and Zacharias. We can call this “Family Favor”. Then there’s business people like the inn keeper and shepherds. We can call this “Workplace Favor”. Then there are some people of notoriety, the three wise-men, also some supernatural beings like the angelic host. We can call this “Unique Favor”. So, Christmas Favor Present provides for us today Family Favor, Workplace Favor, and Unique Favor. This is why we are looking at Christmas Favor Present because the Christmas story brings favor for us now. We can all relate to the family, the workplace, and the unique situations, all of which can set the stage for God’s favor!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Question #1: How can we develop a deeper sense of understanding concerning God’s favor for us today?

Question #2: What are some ways you’ve experienced God’s favor in your family, workplace, or in a unique situation?

Question #3: How does having the favor of God allow us to overcome opposition to God’s will for us?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Where you see the Will of God being demonstrated, you’ll see the Favor of God being manifested. Read 1 John 3:8 (NKJV) Remember, Christmas is all about God’s plan of salvation. Favor destroys the effects of disrespect, hindrance, loss, opposition, criticism, denial disapproval, disregard, impartiality, and meanness. Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zacharias, and anyone else involved in the manifestation of God‘s plan of salvation, had to overcome, with God’s favor: Disrespect, hindrances, loss, opposition, criticism, denial, disapproval, disregard, impartiality, and meanness. Read Matthew 1:18-21 (NKJV)  Where you see the will of God being demonstrated, you’ll see the favor of God being manifested, so Christmas Favor Present provides, for us today, Family Favor, Workplace Favor, and a Unique Favor. You have favor to overcome all opposition to God’s will for you!

Final Thoughts (3-5 Minutes)

Favor is the Kiss of God. The Word declares that God is all about us. Read Luke 2:52 (NKJV). God will get you to the right place at the right time. He will take you from the small places to the palaces. God has honored us with  amazing favor, it’s a kiss from Him, everyday day of our lives, several times a day, but you’ve got to know who you are. It takes God’s great favor to promote you! Ask God to keep kissing us with His favor, wisdom, knowledge and stature. Sometimes in our prayer walk, we can feel a little blah, a little empty, but when you begin to thank God and confess the things He is going to do, breakthrough begins to happen. We’ve got to really want it and if we don’t then we need to pray breakthrough for someone else. We don’t want to live the same ordinary life. When the body of Christ unties, things happen, favor comes upon us. Many times we don’t recognize favor when it’s there, but it is! Favor can come in many ways and we can all have it. We can all believe for things to happen, but we’ve got to keep praying for each other, so we can all be victorious in of our battles. Favor is here for us now. Amen!

Connect Lesson 26: The Spirit of Christmas Favor Past By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Luke 1:69-75 (NLT), Isaiah 11:1 (NLT, Jeremiah 23:5-6 (TLB), 2 Cornithians 5:21 (NKJV), Colossians 3:3 (NCV), Proverbs 3:4 (NLT), Hebrews 10:23 (KJV), Ephesians 2:7 (KJV), Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 Min)

Our series for this Christmas season is entitled “Christmas Favor”. It’s a favor that reaches beyond “special deals” as we’re buying gifts, finding front row parking spaces, and finding favor at family functions. It’s a favor that flows from the heart of God. The dictionary defines “Favor” as: Excessive kindness or unfair partiality, preferential treatment. There is nothing fair about favor. You could say favor isn’t fair. When you team up Christmas and favor, you end up with “Christmas Favor”. Over the next three weeks we’re going to look at the Spirit of Christmas Favor Past, Present, and Future. It helps us to understand that Christmas is all about God‘s plan of salvation. There’s a promise of favor on your salvation within “The Spirit of Christmas Favor Past”. We’re going to look at God’s favor on the plan of salvation.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Q1: Why is it essential for us to understand God’s favor toward us? Can it impact how we approach God?

Q2: What are some ways people try to “earn” God’s favor?

Q3: What does God’s plan of salvation from the beginning reveal about His nature?

You cannot remove favor from God’s plan of salvation. Let’s look at God’s favor on the plan of salvation from the beginning. As the apostle Luke is telling the Christmas story, he records a prophetic word from Zachariah in the scriptures: Read Luke 1:69-75 (NLT). This is the spirit of Christmas Favor Past, in other words, favor from the beginning. This is very important to understand: There is a past promise of favor on your salvation. This promise, through His holy prophets of long ago, is seen again in the scriptures. Read Isaiah 11:1 (NLT). This is the one and only Messiah, the Son or Seed of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Here he was, the long awaited deliverer, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Christmas is all about God‘s plan of salvation. Read Jeremiah 23:5-6 (TLB). Favor was upon the plan of salvation from the beginning, in Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV). Imputed righteousness and favor, your favor, doesn’t come from “right doing” but “right being”. Read Colossians 3:3 (NCV) The plan from the past was to keep your life in the favor of God. Philippians 3:19 tells us that we have the blessing of favor because we believe in Christ....The Christ of Christmas! From the beginning, the blessings and benefits have been flowing towards us. They are here and now in Jesus, the Spirit of Christmas Favor Past!

Final Thoughts

Favor is riches in grace. Grace is favor. You’re not “getting favored”, you were already favored. Read Proverbs 3:4 (NLT). The Word is the Word of God and He has already promised us His favor. We’ve got to stay in line with God’s Word in order to maintain that favor. We already have it. When we own a home, no one has a right to say it isn’t ours. We know it’s ours, we can tell them to exit. The same is true with our favor. We should hold onto our faith and confession for God and what He wants to do in our lives. Read Hebrews 10:23 (KJV). The Message translation says to get a firm grip on God’s promise.  Don’t be talked out of your favor by the devil. God promised us His word. We’ve got to stay in line. Keep hold of the promise that keeps us going. You’ll know you’re favored by Christ. Hold on to that. Read Ephesians 2:7 (KJV). It’s favor in the future. The past holds us back. Stop believing the lies of the past. Let it go! Favor is a gift from God, it’s not earned. The Spirit of Christ is to keep on giving. Read Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV). Everything with favor, including the covenant, is from God. God’s not taking it back. You didn’t earn it, He did it at the cross for our atonement, so we can rule and reign with Him and be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. If you don’t know how much you’re loved and if you don’t know your convenant, know that God has already favored you with Him and all men. God has His eyes on you and has blessed you. You have to stay in line with His agreement and His promises that faith works! That’s the joy! We’re saved by favor! If we would just get ahold of these simple truths and stay in line with Jesus, we’d be a lot happier. We need to be happy this holiday, celebrating Christ. We need to be the kindness of God in a time when people are ready to take others down in life. Be patient. Jesus always represented the Father, loving people even when they beat Him, pierced Him and nailed Him to a cross. He tells God, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”. We’re gonna keep believing with the favor of Christ. Pronounce the favor of God over your family, you’ll start seeing positive results. When people tell others that they can’t be what they desire to be, we don’t have to agree with that because the Word can change anything. We’ve just got to love them and help them through it. We got to tell them how good they are doing, not all the wrong they’ve done. We all like to feel appreciated at times, especially when you’re the one doing all the running around in life. Hold on to that favor! Amen.

Connect Lesson 25: “Just Show Up” by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Romans 5:6-8 (NLT), Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT), Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG), John 14:27 (KJV)

Overview (5-7 Min)

Pastor recently read a quote from a famous personality that really got his attention. It said: “Whether you like me or you don’t, I still dig showing up for work”. That quote was from actor and wrestler, John Cena. Showing up for anything has everything to do with you. Showing up in the right mood and showing up at the right time is all on you and no one else. You decide whether you will work through the circumstances and push through other people’s opinions or not. You decide whether you will deem it “worth it” or not. We’re talking about showing up in spite of our circumstances, other people’s opinions or whether we “deem it” worthy or not. There is help here for us today to enable us to keep showing up, no matter what’s going on in our life.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: Why is it important to have the right attitude when it comes to showing up for anything?

#2: What is the value in pushing through the opinions of others when it comes to “showing up”?

#3: How did Jesus set the standard for “showing up” when it comes to being present at the right time?

Life Application (5-7 Min)       

Read Romans 5:6 (NLT) Jesus “showed up” right on time! Jesus “showed up” to die for our sins. Another translation says: To make us “fit for God”. We certainly couldn’t do it on our own, but He did it “right on time”! Read Romans 5:7 (NLT) Jesus would’ve never shown up if He had to wait for us to “get ready” spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Jesus showed up for the weak and undeserving, even those fighting Him. Read Romans 5:8 (NLT). Jesus showed up with love when, in the natural, there was no use in showing up. He showed up and pushed through, a world of circumstances, a world of people’s opinions, as well as whether or not the world was worthy. Now we can “show up” no matter what, having a great advantage in life. When we show up, He shows up! Read Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) God our Father needs us showing up in these last days, not hiding from the world’s circumstances or opinions. We must show up no matter if we feel the world’s “worth it” or not. Our gracious God wants us there showing His mercy, helping the world find the grace to help them when they need it most. Whether the world likes you or not, you still need to dig “showing up” for work in God’s kingdom! Read Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG). Keep showing up!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

We need to show up and have no regrets. We don’t have to live with a troubled, unsettled heart filled with pain, anxiety, and fear. The scripture says, “Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you, but not as the world giveth”. The world cannot give you peace, only God can give you peace. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid John 14:27 (KJV). We can use this word when we feel like we are in turmoil. This particular word on “showing up” will not return void. When circumstances don’t seem to change or move in your favor, know that it isn’t over yet. That’s why the Word encourages us to wait for it. There are breakthroughs coming. Stop and come to Him and say to God, “Let not my heart be troubled, let me not be afraid for me and my family, I cast all fear away, in Jesus name!” We’ve got to let it roll it off and know that the Word works. God will do the impossible. Nowadays, words like “sinners” or “repent” are almost considered  curse words. Some ministers want to be so popular, they won’t say it. But thank God the Rhema Word is the most powerful thing and it brings results. God is the author and finisher of our faith and it’s Who we've got to hold onto because God is faithful. We weren’t built to be tormented. We were meant to be tough as teflon, letting things just slide right off of us. When you've got cracks in your foundation, it’s not an easy walk. We’ve got to take the right steps toward God in order to remain spiritually healthy. You’ve got to put on the mind of Christ. The only thing we can control is our own thought pattern, you’ve got to cast down those negative thoughts. The purpose of the church is to urge you toward and equip you for good works, from the worship to the message. Worship is essential, without it, you’ll struggle. Whether you’re abounding or abasing, learn to be content. The Word can create and bring back “The New”. Some of you need to move in life, regain circulation and let the flow of Emmanuel be in your veins. We do it by showing up, casting down negative emotions and not letting our hearts be afraid. Fear brings torment and it will make you sick. It’ll point out everything it can to make you feel restless, but God said, “I will give you sweet rest”. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, a disciplined mind, a healthy mind. God wants us healthy. Don’t focus on the negative things. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it’s a tree of life. When you reflect back on your victories over and over again, those trees of life eventually surround you and become a shade to shelter you from the heat of life’s problems. It really is that simple. Sometimes when we get a victory, we rest in it for a second and then impatiently anticipate the next one or sometimes we’ll be in such a good place that after a while we begin to worry about what’s going to hit us next. Trauma can train us to think a certain way. We need to know that God is so good to us, He’s always blessing us and we need to write down those blessings, so a new positive vision can drown out the negativity. Amen?

Connect Lesson 24: Revelation in Life’s Low Places by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV), Romans 8:26 (NLT), Hebrews 4:16 (MSG),Matthew 11:28- 30 (MSG),Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT)

Overview (5-7 Min)

In life, it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve all hit low places. In fact, different people handle these “low places” in their lives in different ways. Some people get angry, depressed, anxious, and mad. Others feel abandoned or rejected. They do crazy things to themselves or to others. Some people choose to just stay in, binge watch TV and eat crazy. Some people “go out” and party like there’s no tomorrow. Then some people in their low places choose to pray and read their Bible. Sometimes we don’t even know where, when or how these low places have come in. But here’s a revelation for you that Pastor discovered while in a “low place”: Your weakness or “low-place” will never cast a shadow across your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! Let that sink in. His mighty power is drawn towards what seems to be your chronic need of help. Don’t run from Him. Come to Him. Allow Him to fill you with the light and life of His love! Your weakness or “low place” in life doesn’t act like a water repellent jacket, keeping you from your amazing relationship with Jesus Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV). The New Living says “...My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” or “low places”. The Apostle Paul said “...that the power of Christ, may upon me.” Vs 10 says “for when I am weak, then I am strong.” Because of the grace of God, His mighty power is drawn towards what seems to be your chronic need of help.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: Why are people so easily drawn to counter productive vices when encountering a “low place”?

Question #2: Why do we as believers sometimes run away, rather than toward God in our moments of weakness?

Question #3: How can we encourage one another to lean into God when circumstances lead us to a dark and lowly place?

Life Application (5-7 MIn)

Let’s say this: God’s grace, power and favor is here for me in my weakness or “low place”. Some of you feel condemned right now because of your weaknesses or “low place”. Just know your weakness has gotten the attention of God’s power, not His judgement. Pastor shared that he’s personally seen God deliver him from a weakness, sustain his chronic need and use his low place for God’s glory!  He’ll grace your weakness with His power and lift your low place with His love. Read Romans 8:26 (NLT). Somehow we have gotten the wrong idea about God concerning our weak and low place. Our weaknesses or “low place” attracts His power. It garners his help. Read Hebrews 4:16 (MSG). Jesus, as our high priest, is there to help and give mercy in our weakness. In your weakness, confess your faith and love in Him. Don’t confess your fear of Him. He understands our chronic need of help and stands ready to help! Just receive this revelation in your low place!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

We’ve got to stay online with God. We need to stay updated. Just like with computers, we don’t use old programs because they don’t benefit us. It’s the same with the internet, nobody wants to use slow internet. Even when there are software updates, it’s easier to reject them because just when you’ve finally learned how to use the old operating system, they turn around and update the software.  It’s not always easy, but in the same way, God wants us updated. He wants us fully powered everyday, so we’ve got to stay online with Him. We’re not going to eat the old manna of yesterday. We want the new for today. We can’t compare ourselves to yesterday and worry about who we want to be tomorrow. It can hinder our healing. We’ve got to say, “Help me Jesus”. With those simple words, God comes in like a flood. It's not difficult. We make it difficult. We’ve got to be on the high places, we’ve got to stay online with God. Read Matthew 11:28- 30 (MSG). God’s got the best updates, He knows exactly what's going to happen and we’ve got to be ahead of the game. The devil is the one laying the heavy burden. God is the lifter of it. Don’t let people label you. God is the one Who has the blueprints of who you really are. It’s great when you can declare the Word about who you are and not be frightened. You’ve got to say, “God, speak to me in those little moments.” Thank God that when we have those low moments, you have somebody to keep encouraging you. Yes, unpleasant things happen and we wonder why. But your best counselor is God. Your help is God. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. If you want good results, say “God, help me. I need help right now, I need Your strength, I need Your peace, I need Your courage, right now!” Doing that can instantly change the situation. It's not an easy thing. We need to guard our hearts, for out of it flow the issues of life. We need to know that God is going to do it. Isaiah 41:10 in the New Living Translation says, “Don't be afraid, for I Am With You, don't be discouraged, I Am your God.” Doesn't it feel good? Don't be discouraged, God is going to help you, He hasn't given up on you. We’ve got to look up to where redemption draweth night. We’re already seated in Heavenly places and we’re empowered. Read Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT). Everybody needs strength and power when we become weak and tired. Our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. When an eagle sees a storm coming, it soars above it. When we hear from God we can soar above our circumstances. We will be protected. We will run and not grow weary. He said, “Come all ye that are heavy laden.” He's going to give you rest. It’s a matter of trust. It's trusting our Abba Father, our dad, He's going to make it all better. When you feel weak, when you feel like you can't face another day, look up to heaven for your redemption draweth nigh! You can say, “Jesus I trust you. I trust you. I don't understand it, but I trust you and I know that You're going to be there for me!” He has the wings of healing. God is miracle worker. He loves you and He's kind. He’ll work with you and with your emotions if your heart is hurting, if you're broken physically, if you feel like everything is going wrong in your life, there's a turnaround coming! Amen?

Connect Lesson 23: The Power of Prayer by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Romans 8:34 (MSG), James 5:13-15 (MSG), Mark 16:18 (NKJV), 1 Corinthians 12:28, Philippians 3:12 (NKJV), 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLB)

Overview (5-7 Min)

The power of God is released through prayer. Have you ever been in a situation where someone stepped in and stuck up for you and because your circumstances had changed, you were vindicated, and your life was saved. You need to know that Jesus is sticking up for you every moment of your life. Read Romans 8:34 (MSG).  The New Century Version says Jesus is “appealing to God for us”. The New Living says “He is pleading for us”. The New King James says “He makes intercession for us”. Heaven knows the value of prayer. That’s why Jesus is constantly praying for us. There is power in prayer. Listen to what the apostle James has got to say: Read James 5:13 (MSG) Are you hurting? Pray.. Are you “hurting” tonight emotionally, physically, relationally, even financially? The apostle James says if you’re hurting, “pray” or “put yourself in the middle of prayer”. James 5:13-15 (MSG). God is forgiving tonight anything and everything. God is healing tonight inside and outside of your life. Read Mark 16:18 (NKJV). The Message says “They will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What impact does the power of forgiveness have on the power of healing?

#2: What is one moment in your life when the power of prayer made an impact on a seemingly impossible situation?

#3: How can believers put limitations on their expectations thereby hindering God’s best for them?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

Read 1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV). Listen to what verse 28 says...And God has "appointed" in the church "miracles".

Who appointed it? God appointed miracles for us, His church. I've been noticing more and more how people live with limited supernatural expectations. It’s more of a “self-imposed” limitation than anything else. It’s almost like people look for reasons not to raise expectations, not to push past limitations, not to reach beyond boundaries. Many people live and die within their own self imposed boundaries and limited expectations. We are “called” to "press in"! Read Philippians 3:12 (NKJV). We need to “press on” to the promise and “lay hold of” the provision. Jesus’ purpose for us is everything that He has laid hold of.  Through redemption we can “lay hold of” through faith. Say this: “In Christ Jesus, miracles are mine, miracles are in my future. We need to be pressing into this with our faith and expectations. The reason why there’s power in prayer is because it’s already there.

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

Miracles and healing are already here now. Sometimes we may not know what to do, but we must remember where to go! Read 2 Chronicles 16:9 (TLB) 9 for the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, (committed to Him) so that He can show His great power in helping them. Commitment to God pays off. Let's think about this. Should I be committed to the God, Who has appointed miracles in my future? Should I be committed to the God, Who is also willing to show His great power in helping me? Believers with limited expectations become very uncommitted, complaining Christians. They can get into a negative cycle. They complain about what isn't or what probably won't be. It's not necessarily outward complaining, it's the inward complaining that affects us most. Negative inward conversations leads us to complain, argue and moan to ourselves about how life is! This doesn't put us in a place of faith and trust or even commitment to God. Faith never “denies” our present reality. Faith just acknowledges that everything is possible with God. His promises are “yes” and “amen”. There are miracles in my future, stop refusing to see God’s unlimited possibilities. There are miracles in your future!

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind. These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken. These lambs are called “bummer lambs.”

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does? He takes that rejected little one into his home, hand-feeds it and keep it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to his chest so the bummer can hear his heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first? That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows his voice intimately. It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It's not that it is loved more, it just believes it because it has experienced that love one on one. So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat. We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.

Author, Sheila Walsh

Book, "Loved back to life"

Connect Lesson 22: Christian Courage By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery 

Scripture References: John 2:13-18, Luke 9:22, Luke 9:51, John 19:17-18, Joshua 1:9,1 Corinthians 16:13,  Isaiah 41:13

Overview (5-7 Min)

Every Christian has the ability to be courageous! This word courageous can also be defined as adventurous, fearless, strong, tough, and lionhearted. Jesus as The Lion of the tribe of Judah, has “prevailed” and so will you through Him. He has all authority and holds the title deed to everything. That courage is built into God’s plan of redemption for you, so “redemptive courage” is Christlikeness. For you that means seeking and saving the lost, Spirit lead empowerment and being stewards of all of God’s provisions. The hero of all heroes is Jesus Christ and He is the victorious, ever present God. Every aspect of courage, bravery, and heroism is demonstrated in Jesus’ life and ministry. Every place that Jesus lived and ministered was filled with evil in all its forms. He pierced the heart of all religious hypocrisy in all its forms. Hypocrisy manifests it’s self in bigotry, deceit, dishonesty, insincerity, lies and lip service. He never backed down from truth. Read John 2:13-18 (NKJV) Time after time His courage struck the core of hypocrisy, never shrinking back in fear. In Him, you’ll never procrastinate, shy-away or drop back. Jesus faced His frightening future with redemptive courage. There is more fear in doing nothing than doing something. In Luke 9:22, Jesus tells His disciples that “the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” This is the redemptive courage that’s within you in Christ.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What is the daily value gained in having a clear understanding of “redemptive courage” that’s freely available to us?

#2: Why do we, at times, procrastinate, shy-away or drop back when it comes to sharing the truth with others? How can recognizing it help us to reaffirm our spiritual authority in Christ?

#3: How can we encourage one another to maintain Christian courage and not compromise when faced with extreme challenges in this world?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

What are the things of life you desire and value most? Jesus put them under his feet and went to the cross saying “I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.”Jesus, in the midst of the overwhelming rejection demonstrated His courage. Read Luke 9:51 (NKJV) He knew what was coming yet courageously he didn’t back down. Read John 19:17-18 (NKJV). This is the redemptive courage that is in each and every one of you as a believer in the world. There’s battlefield courage and moral courage. Battlefield courage is seen as bravery or valor. When times are most difficult, it’s a resolve within our hearts to act bravely. Moral courage is even more important as demonstrated in Jesus’ life and ministry. Moral courage is doing the right thing even though it may cost you everything. It was moral courage that took Jesus to the cross. He laid aside His wonderful reputation, popularity and all the applause to be counted as a blasphemer, traitor and lunatic, to die for us. This is being courageous. As a Christian, you don’t need more courage, you just need to live more like Christ!

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

Sometimes we don’t feel like we are very courageous or strong, but God says we are. Read Joshua 1:9 (NASB) It’s good to know that we’ve got God going with us wherever we go. The Greater One is housed within us. Getting that revelation will give you the courage to go on. God is going with you wherever you go. Even when you feel like you’ve blown it or have lost that identity that you wanted to project, your next step is going to be better. Think about a better you. We’re not building off of yesterday, we’re gonna built off today. Read 1 Corinthians 16:13. Sometime we get off our guard and we get blindsided. When you can’t see clear, and you’re only hearing things, you might get a little off. When you’re constantly being told you’re not doing something right and you feel you cant seem to see things clear, you can get a little off.  Today is our time to come back as the body of Christ; let’s join faith with each other as never before. People are suffering. We expect so much out of them, but think about where they are. Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you, build you up, and help you know the Father is greater and bring you comfort, not to beat you up. God doesn’t whip you into shape, He draws you by His goodness. Read Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV). When we need help we can lift up our hand and say, “You got me God, You got my hand and You’re going to help, I don’t fear anything” It takes fear out of it. When you know your God, you know everything’s going to be ok and that no matter the circumstances at that moment, God’s going to make it right. Feeling pressured? God will turn it for good. We can rehearse our victories because of Jesus. We must be there for people, rejoice with them. We have a God that’s on board and faithful. You might be a person that doesn’t sleep well and want rest, God’s Word says we can have rest.  Ask God to give us rest and make our sleep sweet.  No nightmares or disruptions. When God does it, you feel so good. The Word says that if we come to God we get rest and peace. There are a lot of restless souls. People are struggling, really trying to put up a greater front, they need to know we’re there for them. Some of you have been detoured and delayed in your victory. Some people have the best resources available to them, but it’s off. All “godly” counsel is not godly. It must line up with God’s Word and 2 or more witnesses. You can’t just pick and choose and make a doctrine of it. There are witnesses to God’s Word. It’s balanced from Genesis to Revelation.  This is a new season for everyone. We are grateful for the how everyone has stood with us, trusted the Spirit of God, and we’re gonna go! We provoke one another unto good works. We want to prosper spirit, soul, and body. We will be a voice and a world changer in our communities. Things are going to happen, people are going to be used of God. Start going into your war chamber being courageous. Let God use you and show you things to come! Be on alert! We all want to be happier, be on alert. We have no fear, even if we’ve gone through difficult times, it’s going to be ok! If you’re broken, victory is coming to your house!

Connect Lesson 21: God Has Gone Public by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Titus 2:11 (NLT), Titus 2:11-14 (MSG), Romans 3:25 (MSG), 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (AMP), Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP), 2 Corinthians 3:6 (AMP)

Overview (5-7 Min)

God has “gone public” to let everyone know that He’s 100% into giving and forgiving. He wants the world to know that salvation is available to everyone! Read Titus 2:11 (NLT) God wants everyone to know that no matter their life condition or position, His generous love has freed them! The apostle Paul wanted people to know about God’s true salvation, nothing less. Although some religious people seem energetic regarding God, they’re really doing everything exactly backward from God’s plan of grace for salvation. They don’t seem to know that salvation is God’s business.  Our own self styled religion doesn’t make things right. People set up their own “salvation shops” refusing to deal with God on His terms. People, instead, insist on making it about their own deals, but they have nothing to show for it in the end.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: What impact can “religious energy” have on the effectiveness of those professing to be a follower of Christ and their witness?

Question #2: What are some examples of how religious people can set up their own “salvation shops”?

Question #3: How can we as believers show the world that the Good News of Jesus can transform a corrupt culture from within?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

Let’s look at the apostle Paul’s letter to Titus, who served as sort of a ministry “trouble-shooter”. Paul commissioned him to show believers how the Good News of Jesus and the power of the Spirit could transform a corrupt culture from within.  It takes a casual, but constant witness.  He wanted these believers to show God's salvation message,  to transform their communities daily while living and participating in the culture around them. If they would just “daily devote” themselves to Jesus and promote His love, they could open people’s hearts to the goodness of God. The whole purpose of this epistle is to teach believers how to live godly and win others to Christ in a godless and indulgent society. Read Titus 2:11-14 (MSG) The key is to be energetic in God’s goodness. Where is your energy going? Is your energy being spent on a God-filled and God-honoring life? What are your appetites craving? God’s wonder should be stirring us up. We should be consistently craving the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ appears. Paul is instructing Titus to let everyone know that if this isn't the people’s cravings, then this new life can start right now. Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life. Not just us, but to also free those who live around us. Read Romans 3:25 (MSG)  Can you see how God has “gone public”? Now it’s time for all of us to go public. Let everyone know He’s 100% into giving and forgiving!      

We want to change the world around us. Change starts with us. A lot of times people are walking around with horrible attitudes. There are people in the church walking around with bad attitudes. They love church, but they’re not happy. The church isn’t perfect, not everyone will like you. Still, God is good and we need to let go of the attitude. How will we change the world? We have an opportunity to be world changers and touch people so they know we really care about them. People want to be around those who show care for them, not those with crabby faces. The devil’s already at work on that chain. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (AMP) We need to fan the flames of God. Some of you need more wood thrown in than others. The spirit of timidity is keeping believers' mouths shut instead of being a voice. You are a voice. Encourage others, let them know they can make it, you’re gonna stand with them, not push them in front of the fire. Everyone has been given opportunities to reach others. We’ve been given the spirit of power! When you have power, you have control and the Holy Ghost talking to you. We’re going to rekindle the flames of fire! We need to stay stirred up! The enemy’s constantly rehearsing your failures, but God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. Read Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP). We need each other. We need to stay humble and it’s not our job to humble others. Jesus is coming back empowered. He is our champion! Read 2 Corinthians 3:6 (AMP). You are enabled and qualified to share the Word with others. Be you! Live supernaturally natural. Love on people. Just doing something good for others will be a witness unto itself. God will use you if you pay attention. Just love on people. We want life, health and peace. Seasons can be difficult but those seasons change and from it comes beautiful things. You may try to win everybody, but not everyone will like you, let God deal with them. We want to change our world around us!

Connect Lesson 19: Victory Through By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery   Scripture References: ​1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV​), ​1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT), John 8:59 (NKVJ), Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT), Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV​), ​2 Corinthians 10:5   

Overview (5-7 Minutes)  In life, when we’re going through some tough times, we need to address the world with this announcement:                  “I’m coming through victoriously!”As you may recall on Sunday, Pastor said that as he was reading his Bible,a scripture “yelled” at him from the pages! ​Read 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV​). It yelled, “You have a victory all the way through, Jesus, God’s Word, will take you through victoriously while the enemy is trying to take you out!” You must have a mentality that says, “I am going to make it through,victoriously!”“I’m going to make it through the pain, the loss, the humiliation and the break-up...victoriously!” ​Read 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT)​. God has created a way through. Our victory through every life situation is given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, we need to remind ourselves: “I’m going through, victoriously!” When we’re going through something, there’s always an entrance and exit point.  

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes) 

#1: How can your life be affected by not having an attitude of “coming through victoriously”when confronted with trials?   

#2: Why is it important to know about the entrance and exit points of your trials?  

#3: What kind of trials did Jesus have to endure and how did He go about obtaining His victory?    

Life Application (5-7 Minutes) 

In John chapter 8, Jesus was really going through it. In verse 48, the Jews accused Jesus of having a demon and      being a Samaritan or a lowly half breed .The Jews had enough of Jesus’ teaching and wanted to end His life and His ministry. The Message Bible says that Jesus’ teaching pushed them over the edge. ​Read John 8:59 (NKVJ) Then they took up stones to throw at him; but “Jesus hid himself”and went out of the temple, “going through”the midst of them,and so passed by. How did he “hide himself”? He hid himself in obedience.  Faith-filled obedience takes you out of the realm of defeat and darkness and put you into the realm of victory and light. ​When Satan rebelled against God he was placed under eternal judgment, which 2 Peter 2:4 calls pits or the bonds of darkness​.​The devil and all the demons have been relegated to live in darkness, which is essentially a moral darkness,a life lived outside of biblical blessings .This darkness is not simply “the absence of light”,it’s the“absence of God”, Who is light. Read Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT)​. When you“walk in the light” you are given a freedom pass through the effects of darkness. Jesus, that day in the temple, stepped into the   light and He “passed through” the midst of them passing through “defeat into victory”. It’s victory“through” obedience!  

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)  

Pastor Victoria shared the story of the Python that slept with its owner and over the course of its nightly cohabitation, it began to change, eating less and changing its posture. Little did the owner know, it was sizing her up to be eaten. There are many believers out there sleeping with the enemy and the enemy is patiently waiting for the opportunity to devour. We need to wake up. Not only do we need to cease sleeping with the        enemy, we must break ties with the enemy all together. Get loose of the things that have bound you. Freedom has come to your house, but until you begin to yield and walk in obedience, it’s not going to happen. The enemy is deceitful. ​Read Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV​) Do you want that kind of a thing around you? We must guard our hearts for out if flows the issues of life. The enemy is all about taking you out through relationships,            addictions, health, finances that have had you bound. He’s sizing you up. We need to rid ourselves of the internal dialogue of negativity. We need to be assured of who we are. Some believers need to be mentally rewired. We need each other and wise counsel. Self talks lead to failure. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our minds. God will tell us things to come. ​Read 2 Corinthians 10:5​. We must declare who your God is. You’ve got to guard your heart and reject comments of negativity. Confess your blessings . Confess your victory! Start enjoying life like never before!                                     

Connect Lesson 20: Power to Leave the Valley by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture Reference: Luke 15:1-7 (NKJV), Ezekiel 37:4-9 (NASB), Zechariah 4:6 (NASB)

Overview (2-5 Min)

Read Luke 15:1-7 (NKJV). There are many valleys mentioned in God’s Word, like; the valley of vision, slaughter, backsliding, salt... and the list goes on. It’s the low and difficult places of life. The prevailing thought is to stay out of the “valleys” and live on the “mountain tops”, but we know that isn’t always possible as we live in this flesh. Jesus, the Great Shepherd, or the Word of God, sees His sheep that are in the valleys of difficulties. His powerful plan to deliver them is His uncompromising Word. God’s under-shepherds or pastors must be willing to use the power of God’s Word, boldly going into these valleys and leading His sheep out. The power is in God’s truth. John 8:32 says: “The truth will set you free”. Today, some shepherds find it more popular to stand on the mountain top and call into the valleys with a weak, compromising word.Their voices become only an entertaining and powerless sound echoing in the distance. Verse 4 says that the Good Shepherd, the Word of God’s power, goes after the lost sheep until He finds them.The lost and frightened sheep always lie down helplessly and refuse to budge. Vs 5 says, when the Good Shepherd, Who is God’s powerful Word, has found these sheep, He lays them on His shoulders. No pastor can do that speaking a weak, compromising word from a mountain top.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: Why do you think there are so many pastors preaching a “weak, compromising word” today?

Question #2: What overall effect can this have on the body of Christ as a whole and its influence on the world?

Question #3: What impact does God’s uncompromising Word have on our “valley experiences”?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

God’s truth takes any pastor into the deepest depths of dark valleys. There are many good people in the midst of a “valley experience”. The reason for valley experiences may differ, but the release is basically the same, a powerful word from God. In studying the valleys of “life’s low places”, you’ll see why Jesus said: “In the valley, there is a promise of a lily to be found”. In the Song of Solomon 2:1, the Lord declares Himself to be “the lily of the valleys”. Pastor shared that over the years, he’s found himself searching these “valleys” with God’s powerful Word, delivering messages and ministry, always saying, “Let me help you find the lily in this valley.” The lily can always be found. It’s the power of God’s Word. Your valley may be sickness, destruction, or rebellion.  Your valley could also be fear, hurt, disobedience or unforgiveness. Your valley may have a “name” and a “power”, but there is a promise of a greater power. There’s a lily to be found, His name is Jesus! The reason for your valley doesn’t need to be rehearsed over and over. That’s only your refusal to budge. Pastor says, “The message is my ministry and call to come into your ‘valley’ under the power and direction of the Great Shepherd and say, “There’s a release from your valley of sorrow, misery, hurt, unforgiveness, and bitterness. There’s a release from your valley of disobedience, failure, hatred, coldness, indifference, drugs, alcoholism and pornography! It’s in the message and ministry of the power found in the lily of the valley.”

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

Sheep have been proven to be dumb, they’re basically a snack for the wilderness without a shepherd. They talk a lot and if one decides to go off a cliff, the rest will follow. That’s why the role of a shepherd is so important for all of us. We have a Shepherd that loves us unconditionally. Humanity is often resistant towards the things of God, resistant toward each other, even having a resistance within themselves. God might be speaking, but we’re not willing to yield. It happens to all of us. Read Ezekiel 37:4-9 (NASB). How many of you need things to come to life? You’ve got to prophesy to those dry bones. Some of you need to come back to life, you don’t have real joy any more. Some are looking to their mate like, “What’s your problem?” Maybe there’s something wrong in you. You’re never satisfied. But you’ve got to have structure in life. An Olympic hopeful can’t expect to be a serious contender in the Olympics if he/she isn’t putting in the proper training, conditioning, and diet needed to be successful. It’s all about structure. It works the same way spiritually, we’ve got to take in His Word, being in His presence, knowing Who He is because we are made new in His presence and we won’t compromise. The still small voice is always speaking and causing us to yield to His Word, bringing results. Read Zechariah 4:6 (NASB). It’s not by might or power, but by His Spirit. God has laid the foundation and asked all who are heavy laden and broken to come to Him to find rest and healing. He wants to unlock His promises in every area of your life. Life goes by quickly, it’s a vapor. Enjoy every moment, live and rejoice in the moment because you may never get it back. Jesus is about His work, not condemnation. We teach in faith the principles of God, stirring up the gift within you and bringing life back into you because God is good! Amen?

Connect Lesson 18: Fuel to Finish by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Overview (5-7 Min)

 Recently, Pastor Larry shared the following story: “The other day, I found myself in a rush, running out the door to meet one of my many commitments for the day. When I entered the car, I noticed that the low fuel light had come on and it began beeping like crazy. It caught me off guard because I had filled the tank 2 days prior. Where did all the fuel go? Surely, I didn’t use all that fuel, someone must have siphoned my tank! But as I recounted my last two days it made sense. I had been running the fuel pretty hard. Fuel keeps my car alive because without it, it would die. That car, sitting there without fuel, still resembled a car in every way, but it wouldn’t take me anywhere. Recently, I’ve seen a lot of things in life running out of fuel. Life had just been ebbing out of different situations ever so gradually. I saw marriages that were dying a slow death, not ending in divorce, but the vitality and life within the marriage was gone.” 

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What are some things you’ve noticed within your circle of influence that have seemingly lost life and vitality?

#2: What are some ways we can take this life for granted?

#3: How can we learn to develop a deeper appreciation for the life we’ve been given?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

Life is a gift. Sometimes we don’t fully understand or appreciate this gift until it is lost or diminished in some way. There are times we are excited about life and other times not so excited. We tend to look at life and value it by the conditions of our circumstances, so we say, “Life is good” when everything is going great and “Life is bad” when things aren’t so good. We can say that over our lifetime there have been moments when we’ve been upset with life, disappointed in life, and discouraged over life. We’ve seen those times in life fade, pass, and transform into life being wonderful. Suddenly, we become excited in life, content with life, and completely blessed by life. Over the years, we can grow to understand that life itself is God’s gift and it’s wonderful, no matter what’s going on in the midst of it. Read Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

Life should be fun. It’s what keeps relationships together. Laughter heals people. We can’t just focus on each other’s faults. Start laughing and you’ll fall in love all over again. We should be able to enjoy life without people constantly having to ask if you’re ok. You’re going to have moments in life where there will be disappointments and discouragements, but we cannot view life in it entirety as one big disappointment. We all have our issues, but if you’re going to “debate”, do it from the neck up. Don’t allow anger to pour from your heart. Phrases like “Forgive me”, “I love you”, and “I was wrong” are the pathways to healthy communication. Be quick to forgive. The key is to be content and learn how to flow in the moment and not give up, you’re going to make it! You’ll be filled, fueled up and ready to take a trip for a better life. You can climb the biggest mountain and soar to great heights! Know who you are! Fuel up and live a life complete in Christ!

Connect Lesson 17: Love You and Live You by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), Philemon 1:6 (NLT), I Corinthians 12:12 (NLT) Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), Matthew 7:17-18 (NLT), Proverbs 3:1-8 (NIV)

Overview (5-7 Min)

God wants us remembering that we are a “family within a family”. Whether single, married, divorced, separated; it makes no difference. In Christ, we are part of a family. We belong to God’s family! We are a family inside of a family. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT). We’re not just a “new family” inside of the family of God. In Christ, we are ALL made new and uniquely gifted individuals inside the family of God. God’s family is filled with “variety” so you’re free to be you! The family of God is filled with promise, so you are individually free to dream your dreams. The family of God is filled with miracles, so you’re individually free to believe and receive. God wants your heart filled with the sense of your own individual uniqueness. This is you, love it and live it! God wants you living life knowing you have individual privileges, potential, power and purpose. When God brought you into His family, it was through the door of Jesus Christ, His son. God will never slam that door in your face because of your sense of individual uniqueness.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: Why is it important to have a clear understanding of who you are in God’s family?

#2: What is the value in having our own individual uniqueness within the family of God?

#3: Have you ever felt, as an individual, like you were really different from others? How has that affected you?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

If you ever feel, individually, like you’re really different or even messed-up, you’ve got to know that when God opened that door into His family of redemption, He intended for the door to stay open for you throughout all eternity. God has a plan to handle all of the individual difficulties we bring into His family. God wants you to know whatever individual barriers you feel in life, He never put them there. Whatever limitations or rejections you feel individually in life, God never put them there. You are living an “individual life” of endless opportunity, possibilities acceptance, and favor. Be you individually in the family! Love it and live it! Read Philemon 1:6 (NLT). God has put some really good stuff in you. God has put His generosity into you so be generous with who you are individually. Stop backing down from who you are because you don’t see yourself like your family or other people. Love you and live you! Read I Corinthians 12:12 (NLT). The Holy Spirit takes all of our unique difference sand creates a oneness that we are incapable of doing ourselves. It's the Holy Spirit that makes us one with each other. We won't always see, feel, or hear how we fit into this “oneness”. We must always accept that our unique individuality “fits in”. It's not about forgetting who you are and becoming neutral, it's about being totally yourself with no need of trying to impress or explain or make excuses for who you are. Love you and live you in Christ!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Min)

There is greatness within us and we’ve got to be confident in that, knowing that it will never run out! When a cow fills a bucket of milk, she’s not concerned about not having more, she’s naturally replenished. A chicken isn’t worried about laying its last egg, she’s confident that she’ll lay more. We’ve got to get over this idea that when we lose things in life, it’s the end all, be all and we’re never going to obtain more. God will take the miraculous from the ruins of life. It’s not about what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside. Read Proverbs 4:23 (NIV). When brokenness and the spirit of “run” comes upon our lives and we want to say, “I don’t care about anything,'' we've got to know who we value and  really trust. From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What’s inside is going to leak out, don’t think you can hide or mask it. God sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. He’s there to direct our path, our steps are ordered by Him. If you’re praying, you’re on a course. God’s going to direct you. It’s not an accident, you’re not an accident. God’s bringing you to a place where you’re no longer invisible, but visible. Within you is the tree of goodness bringing forth amazing results. You won’t have to think about it. Live right from the inside and results will show outwardly. The more you go through the storm, the greater you’ll come out on the other side. God’s faithful and He’ll do it. The pressure that comes against you is going to grow you because you’ll realize who the Maker is. You’ll face the giant and the giant will go down. We need to slay giants in Jesus’ name. Read Matthew 7:17-18 (NLT). What’s inside of you? Good conquers evil. Stand fast in your confession, proclaim who our God is, the person of peace inside of us. It’s time to grow, diaper season is over, we’ve got to do what God’s called us to this season. Enjoy the season you’re in, but allow yourself to be stretched. If you’re broken in anyway or have given up on your dream, if the devil has told you there’s nothing good in you, know it’s a lie from the pit of hell. Whom the son sets free is free indeed. Read Proverbs 3:1-8 (NIV). God wants to move. Declare the Word and don’t let the devil beat your brains out. Have a healthy heart that sees dreams come alive. You can obtain favor. God fights the battles, we get the victories!

Connect Lesson 16: Strength for Life’s Seasons by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery
Scripture References: Philippians 4:12 (NLT), Proverbs 16:8, Proverbs 13:6, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19 (NKJV), Psalm 23:6 (NLT)

Overview (2-5 Minutes)

We’re in a new season at Laurel Another Chance Church, so it’s only natural we discuss the different seasons of life. Throughout our lives we will experience different seasons...some great, others not so great. We’ve all had different seasons. It’s good to learn from people who have successfully accomplished what it is we’re trying to do. In fact, as believers, we can learn a lot through the writings of  the apostle Paul. His life is one of the greatest Bible stories of redemption. This man  lived in just about  every kind of a season you could imagine. Read Philippians 4:12 (NLT). Did you hear that?  “I know how to live, no matter the season.” We’ve all had our seasons! Paul then says “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” There’s a “scriptural secret” for living redemptively in any kind of situation!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: How confident do you feel about being able to live “in every situation”?

#2: What scriptural secrets have gotten you through some of your toughest seasons?

#3: How can our choices within our darkest seasons determine its outcome?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Deuteronomy chapter 30 tells us to choose life, good, and blessings in any given situation as opposed to death, evil, and cursing. So our choices in the good or bad circumstances determines the outcome, no matter what. Read Proverbs 16:8. You can live right in the wrong season. Read Proverbs 13:6. Paul’s “scriptural secret” for living redemptively in any kind of situation is to “live right”. Read Philippians 4:13. We’ve found this “strength” to be the peace of God. Part of the meaning of peace is to be made “secure” and have an assurance in your heart no matter what the circumstances. Read Philippians 4:19 (NKJV). God supplies in all seasons! So, if you’re in a “season of lack”, your supply is coming from “His riches” in glory. We will see it in all of our seasons as we acknowledge the grace of God in our lives and as we stand in faith believing God’s Word. It’s not the season of your life that makes life worth living, it’s the “reason” of your life. No matter the season of your life, God’s unfailing love is there for you. Your “attitude” in the season will work for you or against you. If you’re in a bad season, don’t let your heart be deceived into thinking God doesn’t love you! Read Psalm 23:6 (NLT). Through God‘s goodness and unfailing love, you have strength for all seasons!

Final Thoughts (5-7 Minutes)

You’ve got to be serious about your season because if not, you will not see the effectiveness of what God’s going to do in your season. Everyone goes through seasons. But it’s not what you’re dealt with, it’s what you do with it. Everybody likes something different in life and that’s the key to being who God wants you to be in your own uniqueness. We all have a special gift. Some of us just need to know who we are and allow ourselves to be unique. Nobody wants a “left over voice”, we need to all be a voice. Circumstances will try to challenge that. Listen, anytime you buy a house, you have an inspection done to check for termites and we need to be inspecting our seasons for those “termites” that might try to subtly destroy us. Termites can be unforgiveness, fears, deferred hope, a sense of lack or not feeling valued. How many have ever felt devalued in life? Respect means a lot to people. People have lost relationships because they didn’t feel respected. We all need to know that we’re all valued, respected and that we will get through this season. What you’re going through is only a part of the bigger picture. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Don’t allow yourself to be guilt ridden, allowing the enemy to lie to you constantly. Don’t get too focused on YOU instead of the impossible that God wants to do through you. You’ve got to keep fighting. Have a plan. Put in the work, use your voice, you need to have a starting point. Philippians 4:13 really gives us the muscles we need to do what we need to do. Never devalue yourself because of your age. It’s just a number, you can do it! Defy that age and celebrate in it! God does the impossible and if you’re thinking, “Well, God what about me?” Know that God is speaking to you even now, He’s faithful, know there is a bigger picture. You were created for a purpose. There’s a gift in you and nobody that can keep it from you. Damaging winds of adversity can come, but wind can also be peaceful and comforting, no matter what storms are in your life, allow God to get you through it. Realize that all things are possible to them that believe. So just believe! No matter what’s going at the moment, know that this is the day that the Lord has made and we’re going to rejoice and be glad in it, take it for what it is. Tell yourself you can do it! We need to come together, this our time, this our season and we are going to be blessed!

Connect Lesson 15: Never Say Never by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Mark 9:23 (NKJV), Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV), Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV), Romans 12:2 (NLT), Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT), Psalms 46:1-3 (NKJV)

Overview (2-5 Min)

You’ve probably heard or used the expression “never say never”. You might have said, “I’ll never talk to them again!” or “I’ll never get out of debt!” or  “That’ll never happen for me!” God wants to remove the “negative never” from your vocabulary. Jesus said in Matthew 12:37 (MSG) Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation. Your spoken words can fill your life with either possibility or impossibility. God wants to fill you with a sense of possibility.When Pastor Larry got saved, the Lord branded these scriptures on his heart: Read Mark 9:23 (NKJV). Read Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV). Early in his salvation, etched into his heart, was this powerful revelation of believing, receiving, saying and seeing. It wasn’t some kind of a “formula”, it was spiritual revelation. God had spoken to his heart! But like everything else, it had to be tested by fire.  He would learn another important revelation: Read Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV).

He found, early in his walk of faith, that he’d have to stand for what he believed. His “never say never” would have to fight hell and its attacks against his stand of faith, believing and receiving, saying and seeing.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What are some “nevers” you’ve vocalized that you may have had to “walk back”?

#2: Why does your position of faith need to go beyond “words” when it comes to pushing back on the enemy’s attacks?

#3: What are some things we may need to “check” in our lives in order for us to “back down the devil”?

Life Application (5-7 Min)

The devil doesn’t back down from what you say, he backs down from where you stand when you say it. Say it from a position of faith believing, an unshakable revelation, a determined purpose, and your authority in Christ.  Never say never! When it comes to God’s promises for your life, He wants to fill your heart  with an unshakable sense of possibility. Let possibility fill your heart! In the natural, barriers of impossibility are being broken through every single day of our lives, yet we wrestle with it spiritually. You can only grow in your walk of faith as far as you allow your mind to be transformed by God’s Word! Read Romans 12:2 (NLT) When your thoughts are God’s Word, then you’re thinking God’s way. When you’re thinking God’s way, you have faith to invade and conquer the impossible. The promise of God is His way of thinking! What has God promised you? 2 Corinthians 5:7 says for we walk by faith, not by sight! We break through the tremendous resistance of impossibility by continuing to walk in the direction of God‘s promise. What we see in the natural is what the enemy uses to keep us from pressing on to possibility and break-throughs. Remember, in Romans 10:17, Abraham called those things which “did not exist” as though they did. You break through the site barrier by believing, receiving, and speaking God’s promises. It’s believing and speaking God’s promises over natural circumstances that pulls life back around. You’ll know when life is working against you because you’ll feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and unresponsive. Read Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT). Never say never because when you believe in and speak God’s promise, it releases the incredible greatness of God‘s power.

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

We can take the “ever” out of the “never” and stand “forever” with Christ Jesus because of Who He is. We all have stories, the good news is that God is for us. The old saying  that “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” we all know is not true. Words do affect us. It can make us feel sad and broken at times.  Read Psalms 46:1-3. He is our refuge and our strength, He is our covenant God, He’s more than enough, plentiful and all giving. When we're in trouble with our pitiful selves, we don't call Ghostbusters, we call on the Holy Ghost to bust it up. Things are hitting our nation, natural disasters are upon us, things are being shook up, but we serve a mighty God! We serve a God who is coming back for His people, He is high and lifted up and His train fills the temple. We serve an amazing God Who is asking us to be ambassadors for Him, being beacons of light to go out and win the broken for Christ. Amen!

Connect Lesson #14: Somewhere Between By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Romans 8:28, James 1:2-4 (MSG), 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV), 2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG)

Overview (2-5 Minutes)

This week we’re going to discuss what it means to be in “that place between”. Everyone on their way to “the fulfillment” of their prayers pass through that place between your present reality and the manifestation. That place between can be frustrating, painful, and difficult. Many times when you’re in that place between, it can appear that there’s no progress towards your dream or desire. God measures our progress by what’s going on inside of us, like the growth in our joy, faithfulness, trust and peace. You could be closer to the realization of your dream than it looks on the outside. We really don’t have a clue of what God is doing behind the scenes. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. Right now your circumstances could be maneuvering you into a position for a breakthrough. If you only see yourself as a success when everything on the outside is going great then that place between becomes a place of failure for you. If you can only see what’s around you, your ability to see what’s before you will be diminished!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Has there ever been a time when you felt like you weren’t any closer to your dream now than you were 5 years ago? Explain.

#2: Have you ever made any snap decisions or moves in the pursuit of your dreams  that have created negative outcomes? Give an example.

#3: How can we combat feelings of abandonment when it seems like our dreams won’t be realized?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Remember, there’s a purpose and a divine connection with “that time between” and God’s manifested promise. God hasn’t forgotten you! Read James 1:2-4 (MSG). That place between is a gift because it’s where our faith and maturity are being developed so we’re not deficient in any way. Most of us make mistakes concerning our dreams and desires. We think immediate action is required, but really they need patience. Just because you aren’t “moving on” doesn’t mean nothing’s “going on”. The way God measures our progress is by what’s going on inside of us, not what’s going on the outside. Our dream must develop and mature on the inside. Many times in that “place between” you’ll feel like there’s always a lack of resources for your dream. These “between times” can make you feel alone, even isolated as you pursue your dreams and desires. In that “place between” sometimes the only encouragement coming to you is from your desire “not to let go”. This is why we need to mature! You’ll always have people telling you that your dreams will never happen, but remember, what God originates, He orchestrates! There’s no limitation with God’s potential and resources to fulfill your dreams and desires. When God puts something in your heart, just remember, He’s working behind the scenes to make it happen. You’re not responsible for figuring out how to “pull off” God’s dream and desire for your life. God is not depending on you to make it happen. He’s looking for your dependence upon Him to make it happen in that “place between”. The focal point of your dream should always be God no matter what your role is in it. When God is the “focal point” then faith can flow. Faith is the confidence that God is who He says He is and that He’ll do what He has promised to do. Count it all joy when you are in that “place between”. You may be somewhere between, but you are not alone and on your own.

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

You can be strong and love on people at the same time. Jesus Christ is our sufficiency and our grace in the “in between”. He’s Jesus “Grace” Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) - Look, we’re all gonna blow it in life, but we gotta take it to Jesus. We all gotta grace each other. God’s always working behind the scenes for us, even when we don’t feel Him, He’s working for us. In the dark, people move about, but when the light hits them, they scramble. At first, the light might be too bright or too much for us and it might take a moment to process, but God is there for you. Read 2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG). God’s not putting it on you. He said He’s not associated with evil. He created and blessed us. He told Adam and Eve to keep away from the tree, but man wanders, detours in life, we all do that. We say things we wish we could take back. Our strength comes within our weaknesses. Paul stopped focussing his handicap. He focused on his gift. Don’t  focus on your handicap, it will only handicap you. Don’t focus on your weaknesses. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses, focus on your gift. It will soar. We have to know that it’s about God’s grace and sufficiency, realize how loved you are. The Lamb has the power of the cleansing blood from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. He will take out any poison. Don’t be hardened by the way things are. Hardness is ugly, bitter, it causes disease. Hardness brings confusion. Let the joy of the Lord become your strength. Let God’s grace and sufficiency become your health, strength, praise, love, peace and joy. That’s who we serve, let Him become everything you need. Let’s have an encounter with Jesus. Bring Him to your job site and your home. Let’s let Christ take over. If you believe it, you gotta walk it, you’ve gotta talk it, you speak and you’ve got to do it. That’s the God we serve, the weaker we get, the stronger we become. We have to come together on this. Amen!

Connect Lesson #13: Love Labors for a Lifetime by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV), Galatians 6:9 (MSG), Hebrews 3:13 (NCV), Acts 2:42 (NIV), Hebrews 10:25 (NCV), Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV), Luke 6:31-36 (NLT)

Overview (2-5 Min)

In keeping with the tone for Labor Day this week, a simple, but powerful thought to keep in mind is this: Love Laborers For a Lifetime! Read Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV) We as believers need to consistently be stirred-up and not stripped-down in our walk of faith. Read Galatians 6:9 (MSG). Everyone needs to be encouraged in their walk of love and faith as well. In fact, Hebrews 3:13 (NCV) says: But encourage each other every day while it is today. Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you. Without daily encouragement from other believers we become susceptible to sin’s tricks and hardness of heart. The trick of sin is to get you to believe a lie about the Word of God, God’s intentions towards you, those who love you, and about who you are in Christ.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What are some ways we as believers can get “stripped down” in our walk of faith?

#2: What kind of “empowerment” comes from encouraging others or being encouraged?

#3: What are some ways sin can trick us into believing lies regarding who we are in Christ?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Sin’s “trick” is to put more emphasis on secular activities than on Christian fellowship! Just look at your schedules. The early church had a different take on scheduling of their time. Read Acts 2:42 (NIV)  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. Out of their fellowship came signs and wonders, needs being met, lives filled with praise, the favor of God and growth. Secular activities strip you down, Christian fellowship stirs you up. These Connect Groups are a perfect example! Read Hebrews 10:25 (NCV) From our fellowship comes encouragement, from encouragement comes signs and wonders, labors of love and growth in all forms. By this you stay stirred up instead of being stripped down. The enemy tries to eliminate God-centered fellowship out of our schedules. Read Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV). Spiritual activities require greater investments from us. Sowing to the spirit is spending time and money on things that are eternal. Money is merely time minted so we can spend it again! Let’s ask ourselves, are we spending more time and money on the flesh or the spirit? Growing in grace or reaping spiritual fruit requires more sowing to the spirit with faith and patience! God promises an abundant harvest at just the right time. A growing spiritual harvest requires faithful sowing in all of our activities. Sowing to the spirit gets you stirred-up, sowing to the flesh gets you stripped-down. By recognizing that “sowing to the spirit” is stepping into His presence, a greater appreciation of spiritual activities grows. Spiritual activities produce spiritual harvests or manifestations of God’s promises. Remember love labors for a lifetime! Remind yourself of this: Read Acts 17:28. There’s a picture of how a believer should live. All aspects of our lives: family, business, and leisure are to be lived in harmony and oneness with Christ. Our ethics, morals, and life philosophies need to flow from God’s Word, character, design and desire! For in Him we live, move and have our being! That’s how we stay stirred-up and not stripped-down. Remember: Love laborers for a lifetime!

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

Those who launch into the deep waters will experience the mighty acts of God. If you don't put action into anything, you’ll never get results. God wants us to be smart, He wants us to know our Maker so that when opposition arises, we’ll have Christ confidence, not self confidence. The devil will try to beat you up when you declare who you are. Sometimes we’re tempted to reach for the remote or the refrigerator door for something to fill that longing inside our soul, but when you step in and hear the voice of God, it makes you feel so good. You feel like you’ve been detoxed. God brings out who we were meant to be, passionately in love with Him. Read Luke 6:31-36 (NLT) That’s a good way to invest in life. How will we treat others? How do we want to be treated? We’d love or everyone to pardon us and give us grace, but are we there for people when they’re hurting or do we say, “Suck it up and move on”? Allowing God to use you doesn’t have to be orchestrated. It could just be one prompting, one scripture, one Word that becomes Rhema and the whole atmosphere changes. When you minister to others it comes back to you. As you worship God, you become more vitalized and invigorated with youth. God designed us to seek Him and when we do, He heals us. Every time you worship Him, an opportunity for healing comes. He’s working on your inner being, showing you things, giving you creativity. The devil doesn’t want you to have an encounter with God. He wants you to sit back and be lazy. We’ve got to intercede for others. When you do that, things begin to change, gifts begin to operate, God begins to show up and the miraculous begins to happen. But we can’t do it if people don’t show up. We need each other. We’re the body of Christ. We need to be a weapon of worship against the enemy. We can’t just do our own thing. There’s healing in the Word, praying in the Spirit brings things back. When’s the last time you prayed in the Holy Ghost? When’s the last time you felt like you wanted to go out and save your neighborhood? We are God’s people, we are His army and we need to change the world with His power. Amen.

Connect Lesson #12: Watch Your Step By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Ephesians 5:15-16 (MSG),Psalm 119:133 (NLT), Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT),

Ephesians 5:2 (NLT), Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV), Ephesians 5:15-16, James 1:5, Proverbs 1:1-6 (MSG), Ephesians 3:14

Overview (2-5 Min)

Many people today have become extremely mindful of how they take their “steps” on a daily basis. They say it takes 10,000 steps a day just to be considered an “active person”. But God’s been telling man to “Watch their step” since creation. Read Ephesians 5:15-16 (MSG). These are desperate times! God’s clearly warning us in these times to watch our step, use our head, and make the most of every chance we get! Your “steps” will never be in the right place if your head isn’t in the right places. Read Psalm 119:133 (NLT). The apostle Paul tells us how to walk by God’s Word in unity, love, light and  wisdom.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What are some things that can happen in life if we don’t “watch our steps”?

#2: What are some examples of not having our mind in the right places?

#3: How can not having our mind in the right places create chaotic situations in our lives?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

#1: Walking in unity releases God’s purpose in our walk. Read Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT). Make “unity” the purpose of your walk. We’re called to walk in unity, making room for each other’s faults. Our purpose as believers is the Ministry of Reconciliation, living in the peace of God. #2: Walking in love releases God’s passion in our life. Read Ephesians 5:2 (NLT). Loss of a willingness to serve comes from a love or passion has grown cold. A life filled with love will sacrifice anything to accomplish the will of God. Passionless love isn’t a pleasing aroma to God. Love is the fragrance of God’s Spirit. #3. Walking in light releases God’s power in our life. Read Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV). The world says, “Step into the darkness where you’ll find fun or bondage.” The Lord says, “Step into the light, where you’ll find My power”. Read Ephesians 3:20 (NCV). Walking in light, brings power to your path.#4: Walking in wisdom releases God’s potential in our life. Read Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB). The wisdom of God brings to our life God’s potential and ability. Read James 1:5 (NIV). God’s wisdom opens the doors of all possibility! Remember, watch your step, use your head and make the most of every chance you get! We’re in desperate times!

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

We need to love like Jesus. In life, we should always walk in love, we don’t always achieve it, but we strive toward the mark. Life’s about loving one another, doing things for each other. Passion’s where you’re at your best! It out rocks perfection. You don’t have to be THE best. Passion makes you best by opening doors to people who need love. They want to feel it and know God is there. Read Proverbs 1:1-6 (MSG). It all starts here. There’s something for everyone. Growing with the rhythms and seasons of life makes us blessed. We can enjoy life on a whole different level. Let’s teach young people how to live. There’s hope in living, there’s courage, authority and power in knowing our Maker. They’ve got to know that in Christ they’ll survive and go to another level. Connect with God’s power, it’s the only way to make it through these days. We’re equipped to do great things. God’s given many gifts, praise Him for those laboring for His work. First step of knowledge is bowing down to God. Only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Bow your knee and your heart. It’s the epitome of what we should be. Read Ephesians 3:14. Bowing your knee makes life more wonderful. Love gets greater, sweeter. Learn to forgive, embrace people. Don’t expect everyone to be like you. We can’t judge others based on how we live and who we are. It’s about God’s love, the greatest gift. In love, you never lose. There are no losers when we love, only winners. Love wins, conquers and keeps us healthy. Be extravagant in the love of God. Reach out and experience the breath of Christ and the fullness of God. Be moved by the fullness of today and not of yesterday. We don’t breathe yesterday’s air, we take in the new. Let’s advance in a new dimension today. Live in the moment of having each other today! God’s going to do the miraculous as we bow our knee. He’s called us to be able ministers of the gospel, beacons of light. He created variety so we may share His Word in our own way. The spoken Rhema Word will change your life forever! Allow the Holy Ghost to lead and guide you into everything. Be moved by the assured Word of God!

Connect Lesson #11: A Thread That Won’t Break by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG), Psalm 37:25 (NLT), Romans 5:5 (NKJV), Job 14:7-9 (NKJV), Ephesians 6:13 (MSG), 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV), Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 119:105 (MSG), Psalm 37:23, Psalm 32:8 (MSG)

Overview (2-5 Min)

Most of us have heard the expression “hanging on by a thread”. Usually, it just means “being in a desperate situation”. Harper Collins Dictionary describes the phrase “hanging by a thread” as being in a very uncertain state and unlikely to survive or succeed. The world doesn’t offer much hope when we’re in desperate situations, but the Bible also has something important to say about it. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG). #1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says you’re not being singled out. There’s no room for self-pity. Some people use self-pity as a self-soothing mechanism, but it’ll soon become a tool of self-destruction. You need to hit your problem head-on and not question the fairness of any circumstance or compare yourself with “others”. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says that’s not wise!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1. How can self-pity become a “tool of destruction”?

#2. What’s the danger in comparing yourself to others?

#3. How can the object of focus become a determining factor in how we handle “hanging by a thread”?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

When you give all of your attention to one thing, you begin to notice everything. It’s the “emotional snowball” effect. Suddenly, you notice your entire life’s been “totally unfair”. You’ve got to stop this train before it gets rolling or your emotions will take over your reality.  True reality comes back as you start counting your many blessings.

#2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says God won’t let you down. Read Psalm 37:25 (NLT). This realization will start a reorganization of your emotions first, then your life situation and resources. An unfailing hope will begin to fill your life and flood your circumstances. Read Romans 5:5 (NKJV). Hope doesn’t disappoint and God‘s love never fails. There’s an old saying in Texas: It doesn’t matter how much milk you spill as long as you don’t lose your cow. Stop crying over the “spilled milk” of old situations  and move forward with your cow called “hope”. Read Job 14:7-9 (NKJV). Hope is a thread that won’t break #3.1 Corinthians 10:13 says God will never let you be pushed past your limit. Read Ephesians 6:13 (MSG). You’re not alone or on your own. Keep the battle out in front of you (in the Spirit) through prayer, not in your head, conversations, or your relationships. Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV). When you feel you’ve reached your limits, remember, the “push back” and “pull down” of all the demonic strongholds rests solely on the finished work of Christ. Read Hebrews 12:2. #4.1 Corinthians 10:13 says He’ll always be there to help you through it. Jesus is your hope. He’s the thread that won’t break!

Final Thought (2-5 Min)

God’s forever seeing us, He’s the all seeing One. He sees us when we hit those walls, feeling that pressure, and are on that last thread. His eyes are on you. It’s not a threat. Read Psalm 119:105 (MSG). We can see where we’re going because He’s beaming the light down on our dark path. We’re spotlighted by the God of Glory. When you feel like you’re stumbling, God’s directing you. Read Psalm 37:23. Know that your darkened corners are gonna be lit up, your footsteps are ordered. We’re in this time for God to do the supernatural as never before. God has supernatural power flowing through each of us. Read Psalm 32:8 (MSG). God’s directing you even when you’re not asking Him to, He’s amazing. When you’re combatting in life, you get tired, but you’ve got to stay stronger than ever and have the right attitude because the Word works and will not return void. By God’s Words we can see where we’re going. We naturally want to see where things are going, but we’re not going to walk in darkness. We need to stand with the Word, not wrestle or feel sorry for ourselves, we want to walk fear free. We’re the sons and daughters of God, there is no spirit of fear. Faith arises and we walk in authority, knowing our faithful God and what He’s capable of. He’s going to walk with us and favor us, even with those who don't like us. Pray they’ll have His heart. We’ve got to find common ground with others, there’s beauty everywhere. People want you to notice, respect, and love them. If we’re going to be beacons of light, we’ve got to be lit up. That Godly light’s going to draw people. With light comes freedom, let God beam His light on you. Walk out with hope and victory knowing who you are in Christ. Be happy knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength! Do you believe God is for you and not against you? He’s guiding us by His light and He’s gonna get us through! 

Lesson 10: Your Reason for Being By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 1:3-6, Jeremiah 29:11, Mark 9:23, 1 John 3:8, Isaiah 54:17, James 1:2,17

Overview (2-5 Min)

There’s a God reason why you are here on this earth! But rejection will try to destroy you. You cannot let rejection replace your God “reason for being”. Rejection is a bully that causes you to cower and retreat from the possibilities and potential of your redemption! Fear is rejection’s best friend. The torment associated with rejection is caused by fear in all of its forms. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)  These “evil twins” of fear and rejection want to empty your life of redemptive power, acceptance, and sense of well-being.  Read Ephesians 1:3-6 (MSG) The redemptive and rewarding hand of God is upon you, you’ve been taken out of the cruel hands of rejection and placed into the loving and accepting hands of God. His hand upon your life has a plan.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

1. What are some ways we can allow fear and rejection to steal our hope and confidence?

2. What are the dangers of accepting the lie that your life is just a “random existence”?

3. How can we encourage one another to stay in the fight when rejection tries to take us out?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Read Jeremiah 29:11. We’re not living some kind of random existence. There’s a reason for your life! When people say, “What’s wrong with our world today? We need to respond with, “There’s no God connection through Jesus Christ!” Without God, we are left with a “random existence” that only offers a temporary, futile purpose, a purpose that reaches no further than the dust it returns to. You were put on this earth with a God plan and purpose... plans to have hope and a future. It’s believing that will take you out of rejection’s grip. Read Mark 9:23 (NKJV) A father and his precious son were being tormented by an evil spirit and society. This father had to believe his son and the entire family had a purpose in life beyond being rejected. Rejection is one of the most powerful weapons in the devil's arsenal of destruction, but knowing you have a God-given purpose or a reason for being will always defeat rejection or any other weapon formed against you. Read 1 John 3:8. Remember, you’ve got to enforce your redemptive power, acceptance, and sense of well-being! Read Isaiah 54:17 (NCV) “You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. These are the good things My servants receive. Their victory comes from me,” says the Lord.

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

Rejection is Kryptonite. It paralyzes us, making us ineffective. We could be doing well and get hit by the devil in a surprise attack, taking our breath away. Read James 1:2. Sometimes we just feel like, “Are you gonna break through for me, God?” We all go through it. When you fall, you’ve got to be determined to maintain joy so the disease and the kryptonite doesn’t come into you. Don’t inhale the trauma. Know in faith, that this is going to pass, God’s raising a standard against it. God’s into adding, not subtracting. He brings victory into everything. God doesn’t tempt us with evil. Just because something isn’t happening right away doesn’t mean we quit. We have to maintain joy in Him, believing He’s going to bring the victory. Don’t be enraged. Rage will cause people to do crazy things like taking advantage of loved ones. We are in the last days, we’ve got to be determined not to inhale the poison but be illuminated and refreshed in God. He does the impossible. God’s for us, not against us. We can all be weary in well doing and broken at times, but look up to where your redemption draws nigh, the One Who moves on your behalf. He says, “I am here”. Debt and other circumstances aren’t worth losing your life over. We’ve got to live for others...for each other. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, God is the hope. He’ll feed you through people. He’s good. It’s good to be alive. Breakthroughs are coming, rejoice with those who receive their breakthroughs, it’s another opportunity to worship God. Everybody needs somebody. Read James 1:17. We’re a good gift to each other. We need each other more than ever, when you think you can’t make it, think of someone else. It will bring you joy unspeakable and full of glory. It brings peace and value. It gives a greater outlook on life because God is that good. Be determined to have God’s joy, that’ll be your strength, giving you Christ confidence. We can do all things through Christ. Our God is able! 

Ruined or Rewarded by Pressure by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: James 1:12 (MSG), Galatians 2:20 (NKJV), 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NLT)

Overview (2-5 Min)

Life’s pressures come in all shapes and sizes! There’s no such thing as a life without pressure. Having more money, having the right connections, and even having “great faith” doesn’t eliminate pressure. Don’t buy the lie of, “If you do less in life, you’ll have less pressure.” Life will pressure you even if you are sitting still, doing nothing or if you are moving backwards, away from any new opportunities. Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you don’t move forward, you’ll have less pressure. Life is going to be filled with pressure whether you’re “doing” something or not. We’ve got to move forward through the pressures so you can reap the reward and understand that life, good or bad, carries with it pressure. No life equals no pressure, but where there is life, there is pressure.

Read James 1:12 (MSG). There’s a fortune to be found in managing pressure. Life‘s pressures will challenge you, forcing you to be more creative and resourceful. It’ll grow you out of your comfort zone. The key is to let it leverage the dormant skill-set God’s placed deep in your life! James 1:12 tells us our good fortune comes from facing down the challenging pressure by hitting it head on and sticking it out until it rewards us! Having enough strength to “face down” or manage pressures requires you have to have a higher purpose than your own personal gain. You can look at the pressure and say, “It’s not worth it to me” and walk away from the fight AND the reward, but to really understand life and its value, we must include more than just ourselves. The more God and people you include into your life and its equations, the more purpose you have to prosper from pressures.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

How we can life’s pressures become one of life’s privileges?

How can we miss being rewarded by giving into life’s pressures?

How can making self-centeredness your starting point eventually lead to ruin?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Self-centered people have little purpose beyond themselves and couldn’t care less about how their actions affect others or their witness as a Christian. Self-centered people make decisions without considering the impact it will have on others or God’s kingdom. The title “self-centered Christian” is an oxymoron and a contradiction to a person who lives a Christ-centered life. Read Galatians 2:20 (NKJV). When pressured by life, the center for our thought life must be “ It’s no longer I, but Christ.” If that’s your starting point, you’ll always do the right thing while counting it as a privilege concerning life’s pressures. When you’re starting point for your life’s actions centers in the “I” of life, like “I” will not put up with...“I” will not listen to this…“I” will not be the one, your Christlike character becomes compromised. The power of pressure is in Christ. The “Christ-centered life” as opposed to the “self-centered life” has a greater power and purpose which is the wisdom, strength and reward of God. How are you facing life’s pressures? Who is your first consideration in making your decisions? If it’s God and His kingdom and not you, then you’ll receive God’s “refreshing reward”. Face down life’s pressures by putting Jesus first in everything and be “renewed, not ruined” by life’s pressures.

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NLT). You’ve got to go down in the depths and awaken the power God’s put within you. We’ve got to turn on the switch. Your qualification comes from God. You only have to trust Him. He’s already qualified you. Let God work through you!. He has enabled us to be ministers of God’s covenant. It’s God who gets you up in the morning. He is passionately in love with you, when no one seems to care, He all about you. This is not a covenant of written laws, but of the Spirit - the new covenant gives life. It’s the Spirit that quickens and enables us to make us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Look at Joshua, he was fierce, he was a fighter. There are passive people, there are aggressive people, you know that in your workplace, we all have different gifts. Aggressive people can be great when under Christ, but if not they become combative. We all need each other. We inspire one another but we’ve got to do it by the word. God needs every gift. Brothers can have similarities doesn’t mean they are the same. God’s going to take the pressure off of life, we are able ministers for the covenant. Are you a Joshua, Caleb, Sarah, a Deborah, or a Gideon? Be motivated by the pressure. We all can be leaders, we can advance in life, but you’ve got to head out into rough territory. Problems will arise, but ain’t no grave gonna hold us down. Troubles grow us. The more God uses you and the more you move forward, the more you’ll get different challenges. We want to go with the power, there’s power in God, He will qualify us. Joshua made sure he would take territory. Others didn’t because of doubt and unbelief. Pressure comes off with praise. You might say, “I cant do it!” But God can! He’s the One that raises you up, puts people on platforms, opens doors and causes creativity - know that you are an able minister - God is going to do the impossible through you!

Connect Lesson 8: The Break Out Moment By Ps. Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Matthew 9:22, Luke 8:55, Romans 11:29, Acts 16:26

Overview (2-5 min)

How many of you feel like there needs to be a break-out moment from your current life circumstances? Maybe you’re thinking, ”Something’s wrong here!” The truth is that God wants your heart filled with “hope” even in the midst of these “mysterious”circumstances. You might not have, at this point, a clear picture of what your life should look like, but you know it must be done. You need to have a “break-out” moment. Remember Jairus, a leader of a local synagogue, came to Jesus. His daughter was at home dying. He said to Jesus in his personal pain, “Lay your hand on her and she will live!” But circumstances kept stopping Jesus from getting there to help, like the woman with the issue of blood. 12 Yrs in her sickness but in faith she reached toward Jesus. Read Matthew 9:22 (NLT) This woman was healed in a moment. Now, Jairus was looking for “his moment” and Jesus did what He promised him. Read Luke 8:55 (NLT)

Discussion Questions (20-25 min)

Question #1: Was there ever a time in your life when you thought you’d never get “your moment”. How did it effect you?

Question #2: What are some ways we can change our outlook, when it seems like “our moment” has been forgotten?

Question #3: How can the impact of not receiving “your moment”, when you want it, affect your passion?

Life Application (2-5 min)

Here’s what it comes down to: You need to look at the areas in life where you have lost your passion. Maybe you feel like the things you loved and did so long with all of your heart are gone. Your passion is where you’ll find the strength needed to break out of those circumstances. Doing something dramatic or drastic isn’t necessary. You just need some “redirection” of “certain elements” in your life. Moving forward, your life will return and you’ll stand up immediately. Losing your passion for something requires redirection into a new endeavor or you’ll “die on the vine”. Hopelessness can set in, making you feel like unwanted in your current situation. Don’t buy the lie. It's your passion for something, not people, that makes you feel needed and wanted! It's not about losing your “effectiveness”, it's about not letting a “vibrant passion” lead in the direction of your life’s endeavors. Living life devoid of passion is a “downward spiral” leading to a lack of desire, motivation, or to just do things out of obligation. There’s no joy in a passionless existence. Don’t be “fooled” by new little projects or ideas. Those come to your heart from your gifts of “creativity”.  All of that will fall short of what used to fire-up your passion. Thoughts and ideas may come, but will never grow legs and take off because they are born out of “desperation” and not “vision”. Great ideas are just creative attempts of escape rather than a passion driven purpose. You don't need little side-show events. You need to step back into the big ring and do what you’re called to do. Read Romans 11:29 (NKJV) Side shows can be wonderful, but they’ll only become a treadmill of existence going nowhere related to your purpose!  Just “doing something” isn’t a satisfying way to live. That’s when you begin to explore unnecessary options, but it's only a self-induced placebo of a remedy. Our hearts need to be set on the big picture, not things that lead to “short term” versions of diversion and deception. When you are led by money, you'll always be lead by money, not a life giving, need meeting passion. When we expose our deepest frustrations, it makes way for our deepest desires

Final Thought (2-5 min)

We gotta break the chains of imprisonment, they hinder and restrict us in every area of life. There’s no immunity for these chains except the Word of God. When things come at you in the natural, know that there is a freedom you can walk in. Passion is important, it’s strong and it reveals who you really are. There’s passion in praise. When Paul and Silas went to prison, they were in chains but they sang songs of praise and victory. They were determined that no matter what,  they’d put their trust in Christ alone. They were His followers! Read Acts 16:26 (NLT). It happened suddenly! When the foundation of our life is shaken, we don’t always like how it feels, but the result is wonderful. We pray about getting from A to Z, but God does it in His timing and we get uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to allow God to break up the ground for us. But when the fire comes, people will rush to find out where it’s coming from. God is good, He wants to use you to help others. You’re gonna be rejected at times. There are gonna be little snakes that try to bite you. Don’t let it get to you, fling it off like Paul. When you start letting go, you’ll have freedom, you won’t care, you’ll enjoy your life. When people are Debbie Downers, just walk away from them. We cannot engage in that. You’ve got to know that you can have a break through moment. Do you want a passion for Jesus? Passion is when you get a fire in you. Don’t let that passion get away! 

Connect Lesson 7 - Redemption Power by Ps Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Colossians 1:13-14, Psalm 107:2, Hebrews 12:2, Exodus 14:13, John 15:7,

2 Timothy 3:14-15

Overview (3-5 Min)

What is Redemption Power? To put it simply, it’s a “Fix It” power, it’s a “Find It” Power and it’s a “Finish It” Power. So Who does all of the fixing, finding and finishing? One of the best scriptures to explain Redemption Power is found here: Read Colossians 1:13-14 (AMP) Redemption Power is a “Fix It” Power because He saved us from our sins and the dominion of darkness. It’s a “Find It” power because He searched for us, drawing us to Himself into the kingdom of His beloved son and it’s a “Finish It” power because He stays with us, forgiving and canceling our penalty for sin. God wants people feeling “secure” in their “redemption.” There’s nothing worse than feeling unsure if God is really with you, for you, and in you.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: How can feeling unsure about God’s presence in our lives affect the way we commune with Him?

#2: How can sin make us feel insecure about God’s position in our lives?

#3: How can worrying affect the overall outcome of a situation? How can we combat it?

Life Application (2 Min)

Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. There’s no need to worry, life’s going to work out for you! Remember: Redemption is a “Fix It” power, He’s your refuge while things are being “fixed”. Redemption is “Find It” power, He’s your strength through the “searching for” and “finding of” God’s plan and purpose for your life. Redemption is a “Finish It” Power, He’s your ever-present help enabling you to stay in the race and “finish” all God has started in and for you. Read Psalm 107:2 (KJV) You’re in the hand of the one who is fixing it, finding it and finishing it. God wants you walking in peace. Read Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) From this place of honor, He is fixing it, finding it and finishing it. It’s called Redemption Power!

Final Thoughts (3-5 Min)

Read Exodus 14:13 NLT - There are “Egyptians” or enemies in our lives, God wants us to see our salvation, our Abba Father wants you to know He’s there to save us. Stand still. Watch God bring you salvation. We want to see miracles by the Spirit of God in us. We can have power. We can do it with God. He’s there to enlighten us, to give us discernment on everything, to be ahead of the game so our enemies will be done in. You don’t have to allow problems to have power over you. God’s your fixer, He makes life possible, He puts broken pieces together. We've got to let go. It’s a new day of freedom and victory.  Christ has laid a foundation rich with principles on which to build and resurrect your life. We’d better start making declarations and prophesying. This is our salvation and victory, we’re not losing out. The world is dark, but despite all the hate and evil, God is faithful. Read John 15:7 There’s vitality and energy here. God’s Word gives us the secret, the reason to abide in Him. When life gets shaky, when you've had a loss, you must believe what's already in you. Don’t walk away, walk closer, not further out. We’re to stand unmovable, we’re to say, “I’m standing, it’s who I am, it's my right and my covenant. I declare who I am in the name of Jesus.” Things will begin to happen. Wisdom is enlightenment, a discernment that will show you the way, it’s Christ confidence making you unmovable, regardless of what hits you. If God is for me who can be against me? We say, “In you, I'm in the light, You're gonna rescue me, I'm gonna walk in authority because Christ is who He says He is.” Though weapons are formed, it will not prosper. A mind set on Jesus gives assurance and it’s a threat to the enemy, he knows you’re getting the Word. If you want the power, you get in the Word. Regardless of what your mind tells you, let go. Read 2 Timothy 3: 14-15 (AMP) You've got to hold tight to God, let go of the devil’s lies. Don’t consume your mind with opinions. Truth is in the Word of God. Be surrendered, have confidence in His wisdom and power, continuing in the faith, holding onto what you’ve learned. Challenges will come, but God makes an escape for us. God is creating within our church a fresh breath, His Rhema voice. He’s stirring and quickening, making us alive. He’s got new things for us, saying, “I have planned victories that you have not seen.” We need to claim it. If God is for us, who can be against us? God’s working in different ways to bring relief to His people. If we don't witness, how will we show them, how will they know? They’re seeking what’s real. It doesn't take much to minister to people. Let them know they're valued, lift them up, it's their moment to be recognized. God is good.                                                                                                                                                                            

Connect Lesson #6: Redefined by Love by Ps. Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: John 20:24-27, John 11:8 &16, 1 Corinthians 12:23-26

Overview (2-5 Min)

For centuries, believers around the world have often referred to the apostle Thomas as “Doubting Thomas”. He had obtained that name because of one “defining moment” in his life. Tonight, we’re going to delve into this “defining moment” and discover how he obtained “redefinition”. Read John 20:24-25 (NKJV) This was the “defining moment” that forever labeled him as “Doubting Thomas”. We don’t ever really hear of him being referred to as “Thomas the Courageous”, “Thomas the Brave One”, or “Thomas the Fearless”. But let’s switch gears for a moment.  Now, the Bible tells us of the story of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who was terminally ill and who was on his deathbed. When word had reached Jesus about Lazarus, He wanted to be with them. Jesus loved their family dearly. But His disciples had a different idea. Read John 11:8 (NKJV) They said, “Are you crazy?!” So even based on this moment, you might add to Thomas the title of “the Doubting Coward”. Moments like these can be a place in time where we can be defined and/or redefined, but let’s take a look at something here that may change your mind about “Doubting Thomas”. Read John 11:16 (NKJV) Right here, Thomas is actually encouraging the others to push past their fears, so why isn’t he called “Thomas the Courageous”? What happened to him? Some moments can have an emotional impact on our lives.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: Have there been times when you’ve been labeled because of a “defining moment”? Explain

Question #2: Have you ever wanted to “drop out” of certain circles because of a “defining moment”? Explain

Question #3: How can we help ourselves and others bounce back from a negative “defining moment”?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Thomas’ life changed after Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering and His death by crucifixion. He found it hard to bounce back from that moment in his life. He dropped out of fellowship with the disciples, it’s why he wasn’t there when Jesus showed up the first time. Being with Jesus and the disciples brought out the best in him and dropping out brought doubt into his life. Love won’t allow you to be defined by a moment or season in life. Read John 20:26. Some of you have had moments where you have shut the door in your heart. Love walks right through, shuts the doors and says “peace to you”. Read John 20:27. Love won’t leave you out of the fold because you had a moment and stopped believing.  Let love redefine your life today!

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

Jesus showed Thomas that Love can enter through any door. When we break fellowship, the Holy Spirit reels us in and something divine happens. The Word speaks of faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love! It’s our greatest weapon. People can’t defy it, it breaks down barriers and walks through doors. It can convert even the evilest person. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) says, No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others had to face. You’re not the only one facing opposition. People go through much worse. Let’s remember that while others (even ourselves) will disappoint us, God never will! He won’t let you get pushed past your limit. He’ll always be there to get you through it, just like he did with “Doubting, Courageous, Heroic” Thomas. Nobody likes to be labeled, you are designed by God! Read 1 Corinthians 12:23-26 (NLT). We all want harmony among the body so we can care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer. Favoritism and prejudice cause trouble to arise. We must help those who are hurting without judging or always correcting. Be loving. Love heals people and brings honor. We’re the arms of Christ, we’re the voice of God. It doesn’t mean we don’t bring them the Word in love, but just being there in time of need. We need everybody. Sometimes we’ve got to tell ourselves to be quiet. Don’t take “feel sorry for me” days. When the Holy Spirit deals with you, you’ve got to listen. Human nature causes us to flip around like a fish out of water. It's crazy out there. We gotta stop labeling people and start honoring them while being better to ourselves.

Connect Lesson 5: Jesus and Marginalized People by Ps Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:35-38

Overview (2-5 Min)

In society, there are groups of people today that are considered “marginalized”. Marginalized people are those deemed insignificant or seen as “outsiders”. You can’t pick up the newspaper,  watch TV or look at social media without noticing stories of “marginalized” people. In fact, recently, there have been stories about people today who Jesus would’ve seen as being “marginalized”:

For example, Óscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his daughter Valeria from San Salvador were found dead in each others arms on the banks of the Rio Grande. These “illegal aliens” as they were called (or those whom Jesus sees as “marginalized”), were swept away by the current of the Rio Grande River. This was just a father who simply felt like he was “born for more”. Now, this isn’t about politics, but about how Jesus handled people who were being marginalized or treated as unimportant and insignificant. Recently, a young man from Merrillville named Jordan Mitchell,19 was shot to death in Gary, Indiana. He, along with with an 18-year-old Chicago man (who was wounded), was shot multiple times. How would the world characterize these two young men? Regardless of how the world saw them, Jesus sees them as being “marginalized”. Let’s take a look at how Jesus ministered to the “marginalized” people of the world. Read Matthew 9:35. Now, here were religious people who thought they had it all together concerning God but was really just religious observance, not a relationship.  Jesus saw people being marginalized by their religion and not being centered in truth.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: How can we find ourselves marginalizing people without realizing it?

Question #2: How can we avoid falling into a “having it all together” mentality?

Question #3: What can we do to remain consistently centered in truth?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Jesus stood firm on His position of the Kingdom Gospel, but He built relationships with people, spending time with them while sharing the Gospel. We can’t fear people whose religion isn’t centered in truth. We must open our heart to witness to them because these people get “marginalized”. Matthew 9:35 says that Jesus was healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Somehow these people get “stigmatized” leaving them to suffer in their sickness while we pray for our own among ourselves. The most marginalized people are disabled. Read Matthew 9:36. Here were people who were “helpless”, being “harassed” and living without a shepherd. Jesus saw people without a shepherd and a church family as being “marginalized”. Jesus said, “This is how you fix the problem of people being marginalized” Read Matthew 9:37. He’s telling us, “Let’s step up” with the Gospel and do something for the marginalized people around us! You got this in the power of Jesus name!

Connect Lesson 4: Be Curious for More by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Romans 12:2, Luke 19:1-6

Overview (2-5 Min)

Who here believes you were born for more...more of a life than what you are living right now? The truth is, we were ALL born for more. Some people have gotten really good at pressing down those desires for more by wearing a smile in public, but inwardly they’re struggling with disillusionment, defeat, desolation, and despair. But we’ve got to break free, somehow our life must be transformed. The apostle Paul gives us our first building block: Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think, then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Listen, you are not a copy, you are an original. You are the best YOU, you’re one of a kind! When your life becomes a copy of the world, you disengage from life. You simply exist from day to day, your potential remains untapped living without passion and enthusiasm. The truth is that living as a copy of “the world” causes you to drag down those you care about the most.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

#1: What are some ways we can find ourselves being a “copy” of the world?

#2: How can an unchanged mind have an impact on the outcome of our lives?

#3: How can we allow the Word of God to transform the way we think?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

Paul says in Romans 12:2...but let God transform you into a new person by...changing the way you think. It’s difficult to move in the right direction if your head isn’t thinking in the right direction. This verse says: let God “transform” you into a new person by...changing the way you think. Where is your mind headed? That’ll be where you’re going. You’ve got to free yourself from beliefs that hold you back. You’ve got to tell yourself, “I was born for more!”  Life changes when we change. Take responsibility and change your thinking, beliefs, AND actions. Most people live their life by “accident” instead of by “design”. Three simple questions to ask yourself are: What am I “thinking”? Where am I “going”? What am I “doing”? You’ve been born for more and you know it! Now, what are you going to do?

Final Thoughts (2-5 Min)

All throughout God’s Word you’ll find people breaking free from a crowd or a multitude into “a life of more”. One day they realize they were made for it. They took what they had and reached for the life they were “born for”. Nothing is beyond the reach of faith. Mark 9:23 tells us that faith makes all things possible. You can use your faith to break free into MORE. A great faith lesson to grasp is this: Just showing up in life will cause you to break free into “what you were born for”. You were born for more, you’ve just got to show up. Look at Zacchaeus, he showed up for the impossible. Read Luke 19:1-6 (NKJ). Zacchaeus broke free from the crowd even though he was disadvantaged, being short in stature. He used what he had, his curiosity. Curiosity caused him to break free into the more he was born for. Are you a curious person? Use it to break free into who you were born to be, doing what you were born to do! You are born for more! Show up, even if you're at the disadvantage! Don’t believe the lie of the world, there is a lot more in life and it’s just waiting for you to show up!

Lesson #3 New Beginning: Signs and Wonders by Ps. Larry and Victory Raftery

Scripture References: Hebrews 2:4, John 2:1-11

Overview (5-7 Min)

Read Hebrews 2:4 -At the start of 2019, the Lord said of Laurel Another Chance Church: “New Beginnings are here, start and finish strong.”  Now, when God speaks, sometimes we don’t grasp “the depth, the length or the breath” of what He’s saying, yet here we are in the midst of what God’s called New Beginnings of signs and wonders! It goes far beyond a building, this is all about God’s Kingdom! Reducing our attention to simply a building would be missing the mark. Before His ascension, Jesus commissioned His church in Mark 16:15 (NKJ) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” Paul said...the Gospel is the power of God unto “salvation.” Salvation is healing, deliverance prosperity, preservation, and safety. It’s the sum total of all the “blessings and benefits” in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Salvation is deliverance from all enemies and it happens through us Being His Voice!

Read John 2:1-11 - In this scripture, Jesus makes it clear that He is guided by His Heavenly Father, not the agenda of human beings, or even His family. It’s the “will of God and faith” that drives forth to manifestation the power of heaven. Verse 5 says: His mother said to the servants, “whatever He says to you, do it.” We must learn this! Here is Mary, you have a demonstration of faith in the “will of God” and now God’s power will be released

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question #1: What are some ways we can “miss the mark” when it comes to hearing and obeying the voice of God?

Question #2: How can our “human agendas” interfere with the will of God for our lives?

Question #3: How has heeding the voice and direction of God in your life allowed signs and wonders to enter your challenging circumstances?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

We are told in 1 Cor. 12:28 God for His church has “appointed”, or approved, predetermined, provided, equipped & empowered the church with miracle-working power. We’ll experience in this hour new beginnings of salvation, miracles, signs, and wonders! Acts 5:12-16 describes who we are. Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were done among the people! They were united, esteeming others and adding to the church. God is going to multiply and use us with signs and wonders following. We’re all commissioned heirs of salvation. God has a bigger plan to use your anointed hands to do good to give people hope and confidence that they can serve a mighty God. God will bless us to bless others. Get excited and impassioned about the God Who gives hope in the midst of tragedy. People who are sick and tormented by unclean spirits will be healed. Knowing God as Savior and the Redeemer is exciting! Be the one standing in the gap for others. People need Jesus and someone to believe in them. God makes the impossible happen and when no one seems to show up, He’s gonna show up. Manifestations of His glory, “God’s best” is here now! And it’s going to be really, really good! 

Lesson 2: Based on the message “Let the New Move Into You” by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery on 5/30/19

Scripture Reference: Read Matt 9:16-18

Overview (2-5 Min)

In this parable, Jesus was speaking of a “new thing” using the examples of cloth and wine. The cloth represented spiritual wholeness, not just being patched up, but being made completely new. He was making clear that the message of the Gospel couldn't be poured into old “law containers”. Mixing grace and law brings confusion and we lose both in the process. Jesus came to make things new, meaning a new life and old things passing away! This means that a life in Christ is more than just changing or “making new” what we do (the patch), it’s bringing that “newness” to who we are! Trying to be a nicer person while being filled with bitterness and un-forgiveness won’t work, it only makes things worse. It ruins everything! It’s more than a “new do”. It’s a “new who”. You cannot forge a relationship between “pretending” and truth. Who we are and what we do need to be preserved and kept closely together! Let the new move into you!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Question 1: What kind of effect can “pretending” have on a believer?

Question 2: What kind of effect can “pretending” have on a believer's witness?

Question 3: How can one truly allow the “new who” to bring about the “new do”?

Life Application (2-5 Min)

The reality is that you cannot join “pretending” with the “truth” and expect an agreement that will yield positive results. Matt 18:19 says “again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my father in heaven. The word “agreement” means to sound together, to be in harmony. Vs 19 says it will be done for them by My Father in heaven! In Mark 16:15 Jesus gave them the “new do”: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Vs 20 shows God’s intended purpose: and they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word through the accompanying signs.

Real change has nothing to do with getting new clothes, a new job, or even a new spouse! Real change is inward. When real change happens, the new comes in. People desire sincerity, genuine love. This brings real change. Being outwardly polished changes nothing. Inward change brings peace, peace brings clarity. We need higher vision with our eyes fixed on Christ with His direction and wisdom, not leaning on our own understanding. He will direct our paths if we acknowledge Him. God is saying will you trust Me for the new? We get comfortable, then we falter, but we’ve got to stay in there, walk with Jesus and trust Him. God is a just God. He’ll make a way, He’ll gather all who trust Him. But we must change our mentality and believe that we can do it in Christ. We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, a vessel that God wants to use. Once you have real change, life will be different. So let the New Move Into You!