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Connect Lesson #36: Pushing Toward the Promise by Jeremias Alicea Scripture Reference: Luke 17:11-19

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Read Luke 17:11-19. Here were these lepers doing some extreme social distancing per their laws and customs. This contagious flesh-eating disease had marginalized them in ways we couldn’t understand. They pleaded with Jesus and their cry was “Lord, have mercy on us!” They came to Jesus with humility, knowing their lot in life and they took a shot at connecting with THE MAN! They were in a place of desperation. Listen, we may not be facing something as physically dire as leprosy, but we were born into  spiritual sickness. We must understand the gravity of the darkness from which we were saved. These lepers knew that they had an opportunity of a lifetime. Jesus’ first response wasn’t “Be thou healed!” It was for them to go show themselves to the priest. Healing didn’t come immediately. It wasn’t until the lepers took action, obeyed the word of the Lord, and went on their way to the priest. The scripture tells us that “as they went, they were cleansed”. Their healing came when they obeyed Jesus and pushed forward. They could have just looked at Him and said, “We’re not healed, we can’t show ourselves to the priests” They believed, took action, and got their healing. Sometimes healing is a process. It can happen while you’re in the midst of doing what God has called you to do. It’s about our attitude. Humility and Gratitude go a long way. We’ve got to push toward the promise. Mary pushed through by being obedient in the midst of potential criticism from her betrothed husband and Joseph pushed through the potential shaming they would endure because of Mary’s pregnancy. From their obedience came the Christmas miracle and the healing the world ultimately needed.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why is it important to approach life with humility?

Q#2: What can we learn about the value of obedience concerning God’s promises?

Q#3: Why is it important to give thanks for the gifts we’ve been given?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

The story doesn’t end there. One of the lepers came back and thanked Jesus, while the other 9 just went on their way. Jesus says, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” King James says that his faith made him WHOLE. If you don’t know anything about Leprosy, it’s a flesh-eating disease that causes people to lose limbs and appendages. It’s quite possible that although the other nine were healed, they were not made whole, but this one who came back, well he was fully restored and made whole (spirit, soul, and body) because he chose to come back and give God the glory!  Note the importance of gratitude. When we receive gifts from friends or family, we know it’s common sense to show gratitude. Equally, we’ve all been given gifts from above, primarily the gift of the promise, Jesus Christ. People often view these gifts with disdain instead of gratitude as if salvation is a burden.  It’s difficult to engage in the ultimate fulfillment that salvation is meant to bring with such an attitude. Gratitude goes a long way. There’s something to appreciating and operating in your gifts and talents, acting in them that activates a true sense of fulfillment. Humility and gratitude are lifesavers within this walk of faith. Acknowledging these things during this holiday season brings the reminder of why we celebrate this season. Let the Light of Christ shine brightly in your life as we move into this season of promise. Your devotion to the King of Kings requires communication and thanksgiving which ultimately will remind us of the Hope we truly have! Amen!

Zoom Connect Lesson #35: Peace is a Person by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Luke 2:1-20, John 14:27, John 1:11

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The Christmas season is here. It’s a time to dream, to hope, to love, to give, to find peace and goodwill toward men. It’s also a time when many reflect on their childhood experiences and all the wonder that came with the hope and anticipation of getting that one gift for which they’d waited all year. For a child, it means the world. Now, imagine the children of Israel, who had waited for generations in anticipation of the gift they were promised, the coming Savior that would bring them a deliverance greater than they would ever know.

Luke 2:1-20 paints the perfect picture of the Christmas story as we’ve come to know it. It’s a story about shepherds and angels, a Divine proclamation, the Glory of God, and peace on earth. Ultimately, it’s about the hope of the world, Who, while born in a stable, was able to offer stability to all of mankind. O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appears. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. These lyrics echo the cries of a nation for their Father, Savior, King. It was their divine hope and peace. For generations, they’d waited in anticipation for the coming of their prophesied King to deliver them from tyranny. Though they thought it would be from the tyranny and exile of their earthly captors, it would turn out to be a far greater deliverance than they had ever anticipated. It was deliverance from a greater enemy, and it was reconciliation with their Heavenly Father. What a powerful moment in time! What an incredible gift to receive! It was indeed “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men,” still skeptics inquire, “Where is this peace on earth and goodwill toward men, today? I thought this ‘Child of Promise’ was supposed to bring that peace.” Ah, but true Peace is not a feeling, it’s a person. Jesus said the peace I give is not the peace the world gives (John 14:27).

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What is the difference between the peace that the world offers and the peace that Christ gives?

Q#2: Why are some people are so skeptical about the phrase “Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men”?

Q3: What can we do as believers to boldly share the Good News about the Prince of Peace?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Peace indeed did come to earth and it’s in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The gift of Peace resides within our hearts. It passes all understanding, it transcends feelings, and it calms a troubled soul. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Yes, Peace HAS come and He lives within us. We must see and know it for ourselves. Jesus in the flesh came among His own, but His own did not recognize or receive Him (John 1:11). Will you receive Him? Will you recognize Him? Will you share Him with others? Peace is here on earth. Peace desires to enter your heart and to reconcile with your Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and righteousness. We can find true peace in the person of Jesus Christ. Will you give Him your heart today?

Connect Lesson #34: Truth and Love By Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Galatians 5: 13-14, Ephesians 4: 15, 1 John 4:8, John 14:6, and Proverbs 13:24

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The holidays, while a time meant to bring families together, often have a way of being a breeding ground for opinionated relatives, religious zealots, and/or complainers of society’s ills. Figuring out a way to cut through the murk and mire of opinionated loved ones while trying to maintain righteousness isn’t always easy. Recently, we addressed the value of not going it alone and how the enemy often tries to separate us either through death and disease or bitterness and unforgiveness. But we must strive for peace amongst ourselves. Society often preaches self-preservation above helping others and while maintaining our own health IS important, we are commanded to love our neighbors AS ourselves. It’s the same kind of preservation. We are also called to serve one another (Galatians 5: 13-14). But serving each other doesn’t mean giving in to all of their opinions either. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4: 15).  We have to be able to communicate Truth to those who lack understanding, but we ourselves must first follow after the Spirit to guide us in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  If we’re not truthful with people, is that really showing love? Love and Truth cannot be separated.  Love bears witness to the truth. It rejoices in the Truth. If Love is separated from Truth then it isn’t truly Love. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Love and we know that Jesus is the Way, THE TRUTH, and the Life (John 14:6). He is both Love and Truth.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Question #1: Why does humanity struggle so much with communicating and/or receiving truth?

Question #2: What is the importance of self-examination when we communicate truth to others?

Question #3: What are some vital things to keep in mind when delivering a strong truth to someone?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

We must be mindful of HOW we communicate Truth. What does our relationship with that person look like? How much have we invested in that person? If we come at relatives with some Truth and they have no idea whether or not we truly have their best interest in mind, why would they hear this truth? It’s about approach and attitude. Sometimes we think ourselves wise and end up destroying our arguments simply on the basis of being right. We must approach people with humility, not spiritual haughtiness, showing kindness and inviting them to have a discussion where they feel heard. Only then, can you truly engage in an open and honest dialogue. That’s how we best SERVE them. Servant evangelism is an effective tool. We can be bold in our faith and express the Truth to anyone, but we must be led by the Spirit in communicating relationally. Truth can sometimes hurt, but lies ALWAYS kill and not just in the physical sense. It kills relationships, reputations, even potential reconciliations. Jesus said that the devil is the father of lies, and in context, refers to him as a murderer from the beginning. Lies kill. There’s no truth without love and no love without truth. They are inseparable. Regardless of how the world views love, if there’s no truth in it, it’s not true love.

Connect Lesson #33: Know Your Enemy by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: James 4:1-2, 2 Peter 1:3, Genesis 15:1, 2 Corinthians 2:10-12

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

In the book The Art of War, author Sun Tzu makes this statement: “All warfare is based on deception”. Truer words have never been spoken. At the core of any conflict, you’ll find deception. In fact, James 4:1-2 says, Where do [a]wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and [b]war. [c]Yet you do not have because you do not ask. When we covet others, it’s usually tied to the notion that we feel like something is missing. Therein lies the deception. Even as believers, we can be deceived into thinking that what God has provided for us isn’t enough. But the scripture clearly tells us in 2 Peter 1:3 that we’ve been given everything we need that pertains to life and godliness. In Genesis 15:1, God told Abraham, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Wow. What we need we already have! Satan’s plan from the beginning was to get us thinking that God is keeping things from us. As cliche as it sounds, he’s tried to get us thinking that we need more in order to be happy. This scheme has been working on people since Eden. But the scripture says that we are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices. At least, we shouldn’t be. In fact, Paul is addressing the issue of forgiveness to the Corinthians warning them that Satan tries to take advantage of us through unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why is God so adamant about the importance of not coveting?

Q#2: What are some subtle ways the enemy sows discord and division among God’s people?

Q#3: What advantage do we have in knowing the Word and knowing who we are in Christ?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Today, the world is rabid with hate and unforgiveness. The desire to obtain more has forced society to think that we can take what we want (physically and figuratively) regardless of what it does to others. Envy, self-seeking, and strife is on the rise and even believers are falling victim to it. We have to recognize what’s going on. Those who study the subject of war have also said that it’s important to know your enemy. Be aware of what he’s trying to do. Equally, we have to know who we are and know the great gift we’ve been given through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We have the answer, but we have to know the answer in order to provide it. The world is searching for answers….will we be the ones to provide it or will we find ourselves asking the same questions? As Andrae Crouch sang so beautifully, “Jesus is the answer for the world today.” Amen.

Connect Lesson #32: Let Us Love One Another by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: 1 John 4:7-8, Galatians 6:10, 1 Corinthians 13

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

We’ve been called out to a state of non-conformity. We’re born to be free, not chained to political structures, man-made kingdoms, or worldly systems. In a world divided by strife, our response needs to be different than that of the world. 1 John 4:7-8 says: Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God and he that doesn’t love, doesn’t know God for God is love. Love is the core of what we believe. Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s that simple. Division is a word that doesn't belong in our vocabulary. Losing relationships over the fragility of worldly loyalties isn’t a good look.

We are salt and light, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We have the answer to a broken world. We’re the welcoming committee. Today, we need each other now more than ever.  Galatians 6:10 says: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Last week we talked about the significance of doing good. If we have the opportunity to do good, let’s start off by doing good by each other.  1 Corinthians 13 is often called the “Love Chapter”. It can serve as sort of a guideline for what love really is and isn’t. 1 John makes it clear to us that if we claim to love God but hate our neighbor, then we are a liar. Love rejoices in the truth, but if we walk in deception, then truth may evade us. Jesus said that those who are of the truth hear His voice. The question is, would we pass the love litmus test? Do our lives line up with the following?: Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not boast. Love is not rude, self-seeking, provoked, and it thinks no evil. Love believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love rejoices in the truth!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: How can we easily lose sight of what it means to be “led by the Spirit” when blindly submitting our loyalties to man-made constructs?

Q#2: How can the 1 Corinthians 13 guideline keep us from falling into a pattern of worldly conformity?

Q#3: How can the message of “love” be distorted? What role does Truth play in its effectiveness?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Love never fails. This is the starting point for us as believers in a world filled with hate, anger, and division. We are called to unify and not conform to worldly systems. The world calls for love and unity, but it’s misguided and not entirely filled with truth. This world is not our home.  Why be easily divided by man-made constructs and political ideologies? A man of understanding is of a calm spirit. When things aren’t going the way you’d hoped, it doesn’t mean all is lost. God is always up to something. Change needs to come from the church, not the government. Social moral ambiguities are a matter of the heart which can’t be changed by man made laws. We’ve got to show them the way, the truth, and the life. We’ve got to pray for true revival and as a result, the enemy loses his grip. It’s up to us to get the word out. Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might! Amen!

Connect Lesson #31: Being Great at Doing Good by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: James 4:17, Isaiah 1:17, Hebrews 13:16, Luke 6:27, Psalm 34:14, Exodus 14:14, 1 Peter 2:15, Galatians 6:9

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The scripture tells us that to know to do good and not do it is sin (James 4:17). It’s pretty simple. We are called to do good in this world. Isaiah 1:17 tells us to learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. We must LEARN to do good. We must not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16). Doing good is a required part of the Christian life. We must do good even when good isn’t being done to us. Luke 6:27 tells us to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate you. So even in the midst of challenging circumstances and people, we have to learn how to make the sacrifice of doing good. We will be challenged in this area. Doing good can sometimes cause problems, it exposes insecurities in others and can cause them to rise up against you. Respond by continuing to pursue holiness, stay kind, and stay humble. We are to depart from evil, and do good . Seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). So even when people are seeking to take your peace know that the Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

#1: Describe a time when your diligence and good work may have cost you some friendships. How did you respond?

#2: Why is it so vital to hold onto our peace when faced with trouble in the midst of doing good?

#3: What message does “doing good” send to those who don’t believe?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Men and women of God all throughout the scriptures had to face this. Among them were Joseph, Daniel, and Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. All of these men were deemed “do-gooders” who desired to live righteous, gaining both favor with their leaders AND animosity with their peers. Their enemies tried to pit them against their authorities. But each one continued to remain humble, honoring leadership while maintaining their holiness. All were vindicated and their enemies paid dearly, some even with their lives. 1 Peter 2:15 tells us that doing good silences foolish talk. Are you being persecuted? Keep doing good. Are people talking about you? Keep doing good. Didn’t get that promotion? Keep doing good. Build in silence and continue to pursue holiness; watch how God moves in your life. That’s why we are told to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). When the time comes, we will receive a great blessing if we don’t give up! The enemy hates it, especially when it’s done with a willing and cheerful heart. But more importantly, it’s a witness even to those who persecute you. God loves them just as much as He loves you and He wants them to come into His kingdom. Love your enemies. Be good toward them. Don’t give up your peace. Keep pursuing it with people. Don’t grow weary. Dr. Edwin Louis Cole says that “Perseverance will always outlast persecution”. Truer words have never been spoken. Stay in the fight. Continue doing good, in fact, Be Great at Doing Good! Amen!

Connect Lesson 30: The Greatness of Gratefulness by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, Psalm 23:1, John 8:44, Genesis 15:1, Hebrews 11:6, Psalms 68:19, Psalm 103:2

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We, as a church, recently celebrated with our shepherds as they celebrated 30 years as Senior Pastors of Laurel Another Chance Church. The role of a spiritual shepherd, while frequently honored, can also be frequently underappreciated. There’s something about showing appreciation that keeps us as human beings in the right frame of mind. An attitude of gratitude for what we’ve been given keeps us from falling into the trap of self-centeredness where a sense of fulfillment is lacking. Loading up our lives with temporal things won’t keep us happy, but true everlasting, satisfying joy comes from above. The Joy of the Lord gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  We are to rejoice in the Lord always and again... rejoice (Phillipians 4:4). Note the emphasis on rejoicing, after all, “In His Presence is Fullness of Joy”(Psalm 16:11). Jesus said to abide in His Love, keep His commandments, saying, “I’ve spoken these things to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11)

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why has it become so easy today for humanity to fall into the trap of ungratefulness?

Q#2: What can become of those who choose to live a life of ungratefulness?

Q#3: What can we do to urge one another to remain grateful and appreciative of what we’ve been given?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Having a continual sense of appreciation challenges us to keep what’s important in front of us. The word “appreciate” means to grow in value. Taking time to give thanks for what you have can really bolster how you perceive things and how you perceive things can determine the way you approach life. Having gratitude allows us to approach life with clarity of vision. A lack of gratitude muddies it. Muddy vision blinds us from seeing solutions that are right around the corner. We sometimes miss solutions when we focus on problems and engage the perception that we are lacking something. Psalm 23:1 says, The Lord is our Shepherd, we will lack nothing. The enemy, who the scripture says is the father of lies (John 8:44), can trick us into believing that what we have isn’t enough. But there is so much more to this blessed life that we often don’t see because of what the enemy tries to keep in front of us. He’s been doing it since the garden.  But our God is more than enough! He is THE great reward (Genesis 15:1). Hebrews 11:6 tells us that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Psalms 68:19 reminds us that He daily loads us down with benefits.  Psalm 103:2 tells us that we are not to forget those benefits. Keeping the daily reminders in front of us and seeing all that God has truly blessed us with gives us a sense of gratitude we may not have had before.  Being grateful and appreciating what we have and will undoubtedly remind us that the material things we think we need lack in comparison to what God has ultimately already provided. It’s great to be grateful! Amen.

Connect Lesson #29: Give Me Some Space by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Proverbs 27:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 3:13

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

People today, now more than ever, are growing weary of “trying”. They’re trying to live up to the Christian standard of “churchy” people. Young believers of the faith and those trying to get back on track are often made to feel like they’ll never “measure up”. The truth is, the world needs to see more vulnerability, honesty, and transparency regarding our humanity. We’ve said it before, God’s not looking for “actors”, but He is looking for those willing to admit their weakness, accept the finished work of the cross and rely on the hope and grace that comes with Salvation. We’ve all got “stuff” and most of us imperfect people have had out vices. It’s important to remember that when we’re telling people to “get it together”. That’s never really been a successful means of encouraging behavior modification.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What is the grave danger we face in condemning those we deem to be “unChristian”?

Q#2: What kind of message do we send to the world when we become self-righteous?

Q#3: Why is it so important for us to exhort and encourage one another?

How we communicate with others says a lot about where we are. We got to give each other “space” to grow. There’s a statement that reads: “Every time you judge someone, you reveal a part of yourself that needs healing.” Condemnation reveals more about the judge than the judged. Proverbs 27:17 says: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Let’s stay sharp! The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. Sharpening yourself with the Word gets to the core of things. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Our goal ultimately should be to be of one mind and be at peace. Hebrews 3:13 says: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Do you see this? Encouraging one another keeps us from falling into the deceitfulness of sin. Let’s work together to encourage one another, giving each other the space we need to grow together in His fullness!

Connect Lesson #28: The Utility of Futility By Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:17, John 8:36, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Romans 1:18-31,

Jude 1:16-22

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Utility can be defined as the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial. Futility can be defined as pointlessness or uselessness. Futility is a utility of the enemy. Worldliness within the church is a growing trend. Sound doctrine is subtly on its way out. People are walking away from the church, citing a lack of “freedom”. But where the Spirit of the Lord is, there’s freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). Are we allowing the Spirit of the Lord in? Who the Son has set free, is free indeed (John 8:36).

Paul gives this firm command to Timothy: (2 Timothy 4:1-5) He tells him to preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. The time will come when people will get rid of sound doctrine looking for teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. We need to be aware of the subtle ways the world can cause hearts to fall away. Romans 1:18-31 clearly shows a strong but subtle progression. 1. Unrighteousness suppresses the truth. 2. God has already made Himself known through creation, so man is without excuse. 3. Refusing to give God glory and gratitude creates futile thinking. 4. Futile thinking leads to a darkened heart. 5. Darkened hearts lead to self-glorification and self-righteousness. 6. Worldly wisdom makes you feel and appear wise. 7. God turns them over to a debased mind.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1. What are some specific ways the enemy can subtly creep into the lives of believers?

Q#2. How can we combat the enemy in moments like these?

Q#3. How can we pull other believers who are going that direction out of the fire?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

The solution is to retain God in your knowledge, continually give God glory, and be grateful. Complaining leads to the futility of the mind. We’ve got to stay hungry and thirsty, emptying ourselves constantly so we can be filled with righteousness. Unrighteousness blinds us from the truth. We must humble ourselves and pray in the Spirit. Build yourself up in the faith. Be mindful of those who are starting to slip away, we’ve got to do what Jude says (Jude 1:16-22) - Don’t complain. Don’t take advantage of others. Recognize that there will be people walking after their own agendas and desires. They don’t have the Spirit. But you must build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Have compassion for others and pull those falling away out of the flames

Connect Lesson #27: My Kingdom Come by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: John 9, 1 Peter 5:5, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:10

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

In this walk of faith, we will certainly face challenges meant to mold and change us into the likeness of Christ. We need the wisdom, patience, understanding, and above all humility to respond. We must also let our “Kingdoms” fall. “Kingdoms” are the attitudes, principles, and privileges we arrogantly set up and refuse to let go, hindering spiritual growth. “Kingdoms” are things like stubbornness, unforgiveness, our political affiliations, and even our religion. And religion is often the most nefarious of them all because it displays a sense of piety but does little to change us into who we were meant to be. Religion is unsatisfying and Jesus was very adamant about not being “religious”. The Pharisees were good at it, even Judas was good at it. Here’s a man that walked with Jesus for 3 years and remained unchanged. He was full of the devil but he was good at playing the role. Some look at others and say, “They don’t act like a Christian” but God isn’t looking for actors. Attending church doesn’t make you any more of a believer than sitting in a garage makes you a car. We set up these religious “Kingdoms” by trying to act like we’ve got it together, but Jesus was more interested in the sinner who knew he needed saving than the religious man who assumed self righteousness. Often those who “mean to be spiritual” just end up being “mean spirited”, We need humility! The saving we truly need is from ourselves.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: How can self-righteousness have an effect on our witness to others?

Q#2: How is being “religious” different than having a relationship with Christ?

Q#3: How can we encourage one another to avoid the pitfalls of “playing church”?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man and uses it as an example of the spiritual blindness the Pharisees had. They claimed to see clearly, but Jesus revealed how blind they really were. Education won’t save us, even if we’re educated in the Word! Knowledge without revelation is useless. We must come to God with an attitude of humility and surrender. We have to surrender our “Kingdoms”. It’s not “My Kingdom come”, it's “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” In the Kingdom of God, you give up your rights to have any rights. We are called to submit ourselves to one another (1 Peter 5:5), to serve each other (Galatians 5:13), and to prefer one another above ourselves (Romans 12:10). What “Kingdoms” have you set up? Stubbornness? An unyielding spirit? Your sin? Your unforgiveness? Your political party? Your religion? The fact is that when we get to heaven, even the crown we receive will be thrown at the feet of Jesus. Often, like the Pharisees, we can’t see what Jesus is trying to show us because we’ve made our position, title, status, and knowledge an idol. But we’ve got to ask the question: Will it be My Kingdom Come or His?

Connect Lesson #26: Building Character and Hope by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Romans 5:1-4 

Overview (5-7 Minutes)  

Last week, we talked about the importance of allowing God to not only work things out FOR US but to allow God to work things out OF US. And when it comes to growing in the things of God, we’re going to have to go through some stuff and hopefully learn and grow from it so we can be ready to face life’s challenges head-on and more importantly, grow the Kingdom using the gifts and talents God has placed in our lives. We are going to expound on that a bit. There’s an old quote that says, “People will destroy with their character what they've built with their gift”. There’s another quote that says, “Your talent can take you where your character can’t keep you”. Ro-mans 5 takes us further into the how we can develop character and how character can turn into hope. 

Romans 5:1-4 says this: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes) 

Q#1: Why is a character just as important, if not more important, than talent?  

Q#2: Why must we allow God to bring us to the “cutting floor” spiritually  

Q#3: How is hope produced in us as an indirect result of suffering? 

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)  

The Word breaks down the progression for us and if we have the humility and the wherewithal to obtain this through our hunger and thirst for righteousness, we can begin to see what God is showing us. It starts with a hunger, a willingness, and humility to begin to see what God wants to show us. We need to get out of our own way and when we meditate on His promises, then comes healing, change, and transformation. Our bodies and even our humanity are subject to ailments at times. People experience suffering in different ways, but the Spirit is always willing when the flesh is weak and when we are weak, He is strong. The flesh profits little in comparison to the power of the Spirit. We must be led by the Spirit. This week, we’ve heard some incredible stories of people who have overcome incredible odds and obstacles and have given God glory. They understood that God would use their trials to grow them and mold them into what He wants them to be. It’s heartwarming. God desires to see us grow in Him and as we begin to grow, we can see the full manifestation of His Work and promises being fulfilled. God is a good God. His love is so good as the song says. Again, let us continue in the fight for our growth so we can see Him move like never before. Amen?  

Connect Lesson #24: Weaponizing Your Wounds by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Hebrews‬ ‭12:14-17‬ (‭NKJV), Galatians 6: 9-10 (NKJV), Acts 8: 9-17 (NKJV), Mark 6:45-52 (NKJV), Proverbs 24:17-18 (NKJV), Galatians 6: 1-3 (NKJV), ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬, James‬ ‭3:13-18‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬), Ephesians 4:1–3/30-32 (ESV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Today, many believers find it hard to be a Christian. And while being a believer certainly has its challenges, we know those challenges allow us to grow and mature. If we truly are hungering and thirsting for God, we will be filled, but in doing so, we’ve got to endure some things. The good thing is that Jesus made it clear: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light”. Still, some would rather just carry it because it makes them look and feel “righteous”. Do you know what makes Christianity seem hard? Christians. Of course, there’s also religion, condemnation, and bitterness. Jesus accused the Pharisees of making the journey to know God difficult. It was “works” based and they left out important things like justice, mercy, faith, and love. Works based religion makes things difficult. Then there’s the burden of bitterness. Embittered believers are often in search of peace, purpose, and/or a move of God in their lives, but they often find themselves falling short. Unforgiveness, disappointment, disillusionment, unachieved dreams, broken relationships, and misplaced trust all have the tendency to create bitterness. Also, offenses are big Christian killers. Once people go down that road, unforgiveness comes in, and with it, bitterness. ‭‭Read Hebrews‬ ‭12:14-17‬ ‭NKJV. Throughout scripture, the Lord is adamant about His people being at peace with one another. Bearing false witness and coveting others sows discord which God calls an abomination. Today, relationships face greater challenges. People are embittered because they’re locked down and are kept apart from others for long periods of time. They are losing their personal connection.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why do believers sometimes allow offenses to creep in so easily, knowing that it’s detrimental to their spiritual health?

Q#2: What can we do as fellow believers to respond when the enemy tries us to make us become embittered?

Q#3: How can we work together to better resolve or disarm things when an opportunity for offense arises?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

We cannot afford to be angry with each other, especially during these times. Read Galatians 6:9-10. We must do good to all, but especially to those who are of the household of faith. If we don’t have each other, who do we really have? If we’re not pursuing holiness and peace with all people, we can’t engage or even begin to see the move of God in our lives. Read Acts 8: 9-17. Here’s a man desiring the things of God, but going about it the wrong way. He wanted God’s power, but His bitterness and iniquity kept him from it. Bitterness can stop us from acquiring the power we need to carry out tasks for the Kingdom! “Iniquity” is having wicked or immoral nature or character. Continual sin and bitterness can lead to iniquity, causing hardness of heart and a “seared conscience”. It suppresses the truth (Romans 1). Read Mark 6:45-52. The New Living says they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hardened to take it in even after they’d witnessed an incredible miracle. Hardened hearts make it difficult not only for the power of God to move but for us to have an understanding of it. The enemy knows about the power of love and he doesn't want us to have any part of it. A hardened heart with people is a hardened heart with God. When King David lost his child with Bathsheba, he prayed to God to take his heart of stone and give him a heart of flesh (Psalm 51). He understood that his sin came from a bitter and hardened heart. He coveted something that wasn’t his, his envy gave way to sin. He thought he could just take what he wanted. He had the “power”. His pride and lust drove him to commit adultery and murder. That’s the hardness of heart. Bitterness even causes people to lash out at God and the church (See Proverbs 19:3 NLT). They weaponize their wounds and try to justify it through worldly wisdom. Reacting out of your own hurt only causes more hurt, making it difficult for God to move in their lives. Read Proverbs 24:17-18 God is so adamant about bringing people together in peace and unity that He doesn’t even want you to rejoice when your enemy falls. In fact, when a fellow human falls, there are very specific instructions on how to handle it. Read Galatians 6: 1-3 Anything else is just worldly wisdom.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Unforgiveness is a festering wound and forgiveness, for believers, should never be contingent on receiving an apology. Read ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ and James‬ ‭3:13-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. We’ve got to stop weaponizing our wounds and sharing it as gospel. The wisdom of God is pure and peaceable. Worldly wisdom is clouded, inconsistent, and born out of torment. The world's wisdom plays from the victim mentality. It says you’re not delivered from your past. The Lord says, “Who the Son has set free is free indeed”. Watch your words. They can justify you or condemn and defile you. Bitterness is poison. People who weaponize their wounds look for ways to express it. They avoid people who they deem as “toxic” but are themselves already intoxicated by the world. We’ve got to encourage one another. We can’t bully people back to restoration. Read Ephesians 4:1–3/30-32 ESV. We may, at times, feel justified in letting people know, on a grand scale, who hurt you an why it needs to be noticed. We can even look for spiritual ways to back it up, but no one really wins in the end. It only causes more problems and makes healing that much slower. Take these burdens to Jesus and people you can trust. God calls us to bear one another’s burdens. Let’s sharpen each other, encourage each other, and be at peace with one another. Love is the only way to fix our world’s ills and spiritually bullying people into submission is not “tough love”. Let’s selflessly work together to put our pride aside and unify so we can begin to see God move like never before.

Connect Lesson #23: Seeing People God’s Way by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Galatians 6:9 (NLT), Habakkuk 1:5 (MSG), Matthew 9:9 (NKJV), Matthew 7:12 (TPT)/(MSG), Matthew 7:1-5, 1 Corinthians 13:4 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes) 

The atmosphere in the world today is “Why try with people?” We need to understand there is value in the seemingly “pointless”. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) says: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. (It’s not pointless)... At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up...Blessings for you and them. Jesus walked this earth daily ministering to people about the goodness of God. He didn’t give up on them. But there were those on the sidelines of life offering up all kinds of negative commentary. It was mostly filled with questionable comments and criticism. Some of the commentaries were because of people’s ignorance. They had never seen or heard of God’s goodness. Habakkuk 1:5 (MSG) says: God says, “Look!” “Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something’s about to take place and you’re going to find it hard to believe”. Jesus also dealt with those whose commentary was a little more “sinister”. These people had a godless-agenda because of their own personal and professional jealousy. Does this sound familiar? God‘s goodness makes-men look bad. When the goodness of God is being demonstrated through your “everyday life”, it will cause these negative commentators to look bad in every way.  The people attacking the goodness of God said it was of no value and pointless. Pastor Larry said that they had heard the same sinister commentators for the last 44 yrs of ministry saying, “Why are you doing that? What you are doing is a waste of time, a waste of money, and a waste of energy. It has no value, it’s pointless”. Thank God those aren’t the only voices coming from the sidelines.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt called of God to do something but at times felt pointless? How did it all work out?

Q#2: In that same experience, how did you respond to your critics or those who didn’t understand your purpose.

Q#3: Why is it important to see people and purpose the way God does?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)        

Matthew 9:9 (NKJV) says: As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office and He said to him, “follow me.” So he arose and followed him. Pastor Larry said that he loved what this says because every time he reads it, he knows that what he’s doing is not pointless, even if “some people” think so. In verse 9 it says of Jesus that he saw a man. “What” Matthew did and “who” he was, didn’t keep back God’s goodness and God’s invitation. Here’s Jesus inviting a despised tax collector who was an agent of Rome, an aristocratic pawn, and an overcharging, oppressive, and corrupt custom officer to be one of “His apostles”. Jesus said, “Follow me.” Notice here Matthew wasn’t seeking Jesus or trying to get in. Verse 9 says: Matthew was... “...Sitting at the tax office...” The scripture says...We have not chosen Him, but He has chosen us. Jesus goes after us with His goodness and His invitation to  “follow Him”. You might be one to say it’s pointless and of no value reaching out to people like Matthew and his type. The Pharisees saw Matthew as a crook, riffraff, and scum, but verse 9 says of Jesus: He saw a “man” named Matthew. The name of Matthew means the gift of God. Jesus saw Matthew as a gift from God. How are you seeing people right now? See people God’s way!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Matthew 7:12 (TPT) says: “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you’d want them to treat you, for that is the essence of all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets.” The (MSG) says: “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. What do you want people to do for you? We tend to set the bar really high for ourselves. We have an opportunity to overcome and not judge people. Matthew 7:1-5 tells us how to do that. If we don’t judge, we won’t be judged by the same standards. Most people don’t like to be negatively judged. Sometimes we need just to get over the little hiccups and be there for people. We don’t like to be messed with. So why focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and fail to notice the glaring flaws in your life? How can you see the flaws in others when you might be doing something worse? Don’t be hypercritical or be a hypocrite. We’ve got to deal with our own shortcomings and be better. We can choose to be better to people. We’ve got to acknowledge our own blindspot and deal with them and then we can be capable of dealing with the blindspot of your friend. Sometimes people have “blind spots” and some people just have “blinders” to keep themselves from looking at all the negative. Sometimes that’s how we have to be, putting on “spiritual blinders” to keep us from focusing on all the negativity that’s out there. It will keep you focused on what’s really important. It’s scary out there, but God is good. We’ve got to have the right attitude. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (TPT) says Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance  Rejoice when people get blessed! You don’t need to brag about how great you are. God is doing things. God is moving today. He’s already starting revivals. We need to talk about what God is doing and what’s going to happen! Don’t put up walls, walls won’t let love in. Let’s see people God’s way. 

Connect Lesson #22: Victory Steps by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Psalm 37:23 (NKJV), Psalm 40:2 (NKJV), John 16:13 (NLT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The word “steps” popped into Pastor’s heart for this message, and so did this scripture: Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way. There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says… “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”. That first step is important! It’s important because it starts the journey. Some of you are scheduled for a particular journey in life, but you have not taken the first step.  God has put an idea and a dream in your heart. God has given you a vision and a word, but you need to act upon it. You’ve made excuses like “The money’s not there”... “When the kids get older,”... “I’m not qualified”... the list goes on. But most of the time, it’s fear that holds you back from that first step. One of the effects of fear is to paralyze you. The word “paralyze” as it relates to the journey means to bring to an end. Fear will end things before they ever get started. For some of you, fear has stolen the first step of your dream,  your vision, and the Word of God that the Lord has put into your heart. Some of you don’t trust your own abilities or your own ideas, and that’s ok, just don’t let that stop you! Trust in God’s abilities and God’s ideas as He “orders” your steps. God made available to all of us “Divine Direction” for every detail of our lives, but we must join hands with Him in our journey. He is there to keep us from falling, and He will stabilize us in our stumbling.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Was there ever a time when you’ve allowed fear instead of God to give you direction in a particular situation? How did you handle it?

Q#2: What impact can past failure have on your current circumstances?

Q#3: How can we find freedom from the fear of failure?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

You may be sitting there thinking, “I took a ‘faith journey’ once, and it didn’t end so well.” I don’t know what happened to you; maybe you stopped following divine direction, maybe you started directing your own steps, or maybe you let go of his hand. No matter what happened to your journey, God always has a recovery plan. God has a divine purpose for your journey, a divine finish, and He will raise you up to finish the journey!  Some of you are getting raised up today. Some of you are getting your feet re-set on solid ground. All you need is to be steadied. Psalm 40:2 (NKJV) says 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. The journey is not over. Here’s how this will happen: Jesus said: John 16:13 (NLT) 13 When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. Your future steps have been established in victory!

I  Only Need One Thing by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture Reference: Luke 10:38-42

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

In the book of Luke chapter 10, we read the story of Jesus sending out the 72, a group of followers who were given the power to not only share the good news that the Kingdom of God was near, but to bring healing, signs, and wonders to the people. They performed miracles and were casting out devils! When they returned, the scripture says they were filled with joy. Jesus said that they have received power to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. He rejoiced in the Spirit. It’s in this chapter we then hear the story of the Good Samaritan. Afterward, we find this group heading to the home of Mary and Martha which is our starting point.

Luke 10: 38-42 says  As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

Now, here is a whole group of people who have come into this house, tired and hungry after a very busy day. They needed to be refreshed, recharged, and energized. Serving these guests is priority one! How many of you have experienced this? You’re running on fumes, trying to meet your own family’s needs, and the needs of others? You’ve got a full plate at home, it’s time to go to church and serve, but you’ve barely got anything left to give the Lord because you’ve exhausted all of your energy on worrying about everything and everybody else. You’re burned out,  seemingly helpless and ignored by those who SHOULD be helping you...why has it all come down to this?  Here is Jesus’ response to Martha: Vs. 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Discussion Questions (20-25 Mintues)

Q#1: How might have you responded if Jesus said this to you?

Q#2: Why do you think taking a “spiritual inventory” of yourself is so important?

Q#3: How can a lack of spiritual maintenance have an effect on your day-to-day?

Life Application (5-7 Mintues)

This may have been unexpected for Martha. She wanted vindication. Jesus gave her something better. She received wisdom from Him that day. For centuries, people have been chasing those things which are carnal, earthly, and pleasurable but when obtained, find it unsatisfying. We hear it from children all the time: “If you could just give me this one thing, I won’t ask for anything again for a long time” and of course, a few days later they’re asking for their next one thing they “need”. Today more than ever, we are in desperate need of that one thing. It’s essential for survival. It’s the one thing that can bring satisfaction like no other, it’s why David could say, the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. We need only to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. We’ve become far too distracted by everything from politics to media to just day to day busyness and even in our attempt to serve the Lord with what we have left, we’ve fallen short because we’ve forgotten how to sit quietly and allow the Lord to speak to us. How can we begin to know God unless we are still?  Jesus said if you drink from Me you’ll never thirst again. David said as the deer pants for the water, my soul longs after you. Jeremiah said that putting my trust in God is like a tree planted by a stream where the roots grow into the water and is satisfied.

Final Thought (5 Minutes)

God not only wants us to know Him, but He wants to know you too. If that weren’t important then why would He say to those who are workers of iniquity, “Depart from me I never knew you” This isn’t about “spiritual routines”. At some point, those can become empty and fruitless. We can’t forget that Jesus was both divine and human. Sometimes spending time with God can be in the joy of being with others, fellowshipping, and giving Him praise in the way you raise your family or communicate with your spouse. Let God speak to you in your quiet time and not so quiet time. If you can’t be still and know, you certainly can’t be active and know either. Roaring lions are distracting, you’ve got to be able to be still. People who give up on the faith do so often because it isn’t maintained and balanced. GK Chesterton said  “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”  Being a follower of Jesus won’t leave you unsatisfied. A life lived without Him will.This race isn’t about behavior modification. It’s about engagement with the Giver of Life. Get wisdom! Get Understanding! Don’t stake eternity on seasonal pleasures. Don’t exchange the truth of God for a lie. There’s nothing wrong with giving His story a good read. It might just change your life! 

Connect Lesson #19: Self-Centered Religion by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT), 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT), James 3:13-18, James 4:1-10, 1 Peter 2:15 (NKJV), Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT), Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The world has done a fantastic job of spreading its own ancient religion. Its popularity has been increasing rapidly in these last days. Its subtle, but imposing nature doesn’t rear its ugly head until it’s carried out its mission...division. Once it divides, it multiplies, growing stronger as it destroys lives. It causes bitterness to take root and by the time most people figure it out, the damage has already been done. It creates a sense of emptiness and then acts as the solution for it. Once people give in to it, it’s very difficult to let go. It’s like cancer, lacking compassion, it thrives on fear and doubt. It promises the world, taking in more than it gives. It does give, but the return on investment is limited and disappointing. As the pleasure wears off, individuals are worse off. Pride and stubbornness are its pinnacle principles. In fact, you are truly religious when you display these characteristics, your piety will know no bounds. What is this sanctimonious ancient religion? It’s called the Religion of Self. Self-centeredness has been the cause of society’s ills since the dawn of time. It seems nowadays that it's ramped up because everything today is a competition. It’s very clear why one of the 10 Commandments is not to covet. It’s not just about having things but also having knowledge and being better and smarter than everybody else, using that knowledge to puff themselves up.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q1: Why are people so easily ensnared by the trap of self-centeredness?

Q2: What seems to be driving people toward success nowadays?

Q3: What can we do to avoid falling into the trap of self-centeredness?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Read Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NLT). Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT). Read James 3:13-18. Read James 4:1-10 The scripture is filled with many more examples of how God despises self-centeredness. In fact, Christ called us to self-denial. Read Mark 8:34. Most people who have a chip on their shoulder are usually self-indulgent - they're so caught up in their own world because of unforgiveness. There are people that will get offended by this message. People will often preach through their offenses and use scripture to justify their actions. You see it all the time on social media - Facebook preachers, preaching out of their own hurt. But again, that’s pride. CS Lewis said this: The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But pride always means enmity - it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God. He said: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind. Pride is what made the devil, the devil. Anything that causes indulgence of self is a completely anti-God state of mind. Pride takes on so many forms. It is critical of others, it’s stubborn, it's envious, it desires and gets nothing. It’s fruitless. It’s powerless. You can't plug a toaster into itself and expect to get toast. You need a power source! Self-reliance is exhausting. It’s time to empty ourselves of ourselves more than ever in these last days. You can’t have a God-centered mentality and be wrapped in self-sufficiency. Man may use metrics to determine accolades, but God levels the playing field. There will always be critics, but take a look at 1 Peter 2:15 (NKJV). There’s something to being at the bottom of the barrel by the world’s standards. It’s a good place to be because it’s easier to humble yourself. I don’t care how smart or talented you think you are, Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT) says that it’s God (Who) gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

You’ve got to change your thinking. Mind renewal comes from the Word (Romans 12:2). Yes, your thought life can affect your actions, but your actions can also determine your thoughts. Read Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV). We need wisdom, wisdom brings order, order brings peace, peace brings prosperity. Bringing Godly order to your life makes life better. Let’s put away foolishness and rise up in power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit. It takes commitment! We have to desire the Wisdom of the Word. We need understanding and a desire to be filled with His righteousness. Did you know that it’s pride to think little of yourself? That’s not humility, that’s stubbornness, which the Bible refers to as idolatry. Your refusal to see yourself as anything else but a child of God can be detrimental to our spiritual survival. There are some people who choose to remain in a state of self-pity where they voluntarily refuse to think differently about God and themselves. An overdose of self can lead to depression because people think self-sufficiency is satisfactory but most of the time, you get let down. Sometimes we don’t realize what we’re doing and we can’t fix what we don’t see! James says if you lack wisdom then ask, but if it’s just to puff yourself up, don’t expect anything from God. Your motives and mindset determine what you will have. God cannot work with people who are double-minded. Do you go to the “First Church of Me, Myself and I”? You’ll find that without the source, there is no power. When you practice humility, you’re less likely to be easily offended, you’ll be less judgmental, be more open to learning and thereby gain understanding, you’ll be more likely to be merciful and gracious to others and you’ll be more forgiving. Without God, we can do nothing. The faster we understand this, the better things will go for us. Perform on a level playing field before God levels it for you.

Connect Lesson #18: Spending Time With Your Heart by Pastor Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Luke 6:45 (NKJV), Psalm 139:23-24 (TPT), Psalm 139: 1-5 (NLT), Haggai 2:9 (NLT), 2 Kings 9:5-10 (NLT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The Lord wanted Pastor to pose a question to everyone today: When was the last time you spent some “quality time” with your heart? Luke 6:45 (NKJV) says ...For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. Pastor said that when he was praying this week, he saw pain hidden in people’s hearts. People can get good at hiding their pain from their face in public, but if you listen carefully, they can’t hide it from their mouth. Most of the time, when people hear pain on people’s lips, they just think of them to be crabby or having a bad day. For whatever reason, many people today aren’t spending much time on their own heart, much less noticing the pain in others. Here’s how you spend time with your own heart: Psalm 139:23 (TPT) says 23 God, I invite Your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. (Which crowd’s out and chokes the Word so that it produces nothing according to Mark.4:19). Psalm 139:24 says, See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—the path that brings me back to You.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What steps can we take to be more sensitive to the needs of others?

Q#2: How can we encourage people who are visibly trying to hide obvious pain?

Q#3: How can anxiety cause us to lose sight of God’s Word in our lives?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Are the anxious cares of the world choking out the Word of God in your life? What path of pain are you silently walking on that leads you away from God’s glorious, everlasting ways? Like the psalmist, we should be crying out, “Lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—the path that brings me back to you!” Spending time with your heart is what Pastor calls “spiritual reflection.” It’s taking the time to think about what’s being taught in these messages and what you’re reading in scripture. Without spiritual reflection or renewing your mind, there’s no getting away from anxious cares and paths of pain. Psalm 139: 1-5 (NLT) says O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Let God place His hand of blessings upon your head and deliver you from all your anxious cares and paths of pain!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

God will shower you with His grace. He will give you a plan. He will never overwhelm you. Your latter will be greater! We can hold onto the hope of God’s Word! Haggai 2:9 (NLT) says 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place, I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” God is greater than our current circumstances. God is bringing Jehus for the Jezebels! 2 Kings 9:5-10 (NLT) says 5 When he arrived there, he found Jehu sitting around with the other army officers. “I have a message for you, Commander,” he said. “For which one of us?” Jehu asked. “For you, Commander,” he replied. 6 So Jehu left the others and went into the house. Then the young prophet poured the oil over Jehu’s head and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anoint you king over the Lord’s people, Israel. 7 You are to destroy the family of Ahab, your master. In this way, I will avenge the murder of my prophets and all the Lord’s servants who were killed by Jezebel. 8 The entire family of Ahab must be wiped out. I will destroy every one of his male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel. 9 I will destroy the family of Ahab as I destroyed the families of Jeroboam son of Nebat and of Baasha, son of Ahijah. 10 Dogs will eat Ahab’s wife Jezebel at the plot of land in Jezreel, and no one will bury her.” Then the young prophet opened the door and ran. The spirit of Jehu is rising up! To know God in His power is to see the impossible done! He makes it happen. He’s the greater one to get the glory! Be full of faith and glory, and thank God for the seasoned people. You need to have guts to give a prophetic word! We intimidate the devil because we belong to the King! God will avenge us, and we know Who our God is. There is so much fear in the world; we’ve got to pull on the anointing, every joint supplies. We’ve got to make things glorious! Praise God; He is doing amazing things! We must throw down the Jezebel spirit and claim our victory in God!

Connect Lesson #17: Hearing Changes Things by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: John 12:17-19 (NLT), Matthew 16:18 (TPT), Isaiah 1:19 (TPT), 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (TPT), Psalm 119:2 (MSG), Matthew 18:19 (NLT), Matthew 18:19 (TPT), Psalm 32: 8-10 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The entire world is changing rapidly and dramatically through what is being heard. Make no mistake, change comes through people acting on what is heard. The last time the world changed this dramatically was when Jesus came to reveal God’s true nature.  When people acted on what they heard from Jesus, their lives changed. Jesus’ life and death revealed God’s power, holiness, justice, and love. There was one thing that separated us from all that God had to offer. That was our sin. Jesus became the final and complete sacrifice for our sin through His death on the cross. Don’t live without Him. When He spoke and people acted on what they heard from Him, their lives changed and it’s no different today. John 12:17-19 (NLT) says Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet Him— because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after Him.”  Because of Jesus’ willingness to the Father and the people’s willingness to God’s Word, the world changed for the better.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Mintues)

Q#1: Compare and contrast the value and impact of following God’s Word in your life versus a life devoid of God’s Word.

Q#2: Why are some believers today subtly becoming indifferent to the Word of God?

Q#3: What role does having a willing heart play in our ability to receive and actively incorporate the Keys of the Kingdom?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Matthew 16:18 (TPT) says I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this truth of Who I am will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build My church—My legislative assembly and the power of death will not be able to overpower it! 19 I will give you the keys of heaven’s kingdom realm to forbid on earth that which is forbidden in heaven, and to release on earth that which is released in heaven.”  Hear this: We have the power to forbid all the works of darkness and release all the works of God when we become responsive or willing to do what heaven is saying. We will overpower the darkness. Isaiah 1:19 (TPT) says If you have a willing heart to let Me help you, and if you will obey Me, you will feast on the blessings of an abundant harvest. The blessings of an abundant harvest come with willingness. You must willingly empty yourself of building “your own” kingdom “first”. You must be willing to build God’s kingdom first! Say “Yes!” to God and “No!” to the world. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (TPT) is “reversed willingness”. It says But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God. But hearing with willing actions changes things! Vs. 2 says People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly (living without any Godly influence) vs 3 says They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. 4 With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted, and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God. 5 They may pretend to have a respect for God, but in reality, they want nothing to do with God’s power. Stay away from people like these! God has a reason for you to stay away from people like this! Hearing from them will change you into them. Be careful not to let these people speak “directions” into your life. You might feel a little lost right now because you’ve been hearing from the wrong sources. Psalm 119:2 (MSG) says You're blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. Hearing from God changes things!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Matthew 18:19 (NLT) says I also tell you this if two of you agree on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you. He didn’t say you have to have a whole group of people. Just two. That can be just you and God! That’s all you need. When you come into God’s Word and truly believe it while trusting in Him, you can declare life over your situation and the power comes! Matthew 18:19 (TPT) says Again, I give you an eternal truth if two of you agree to God for something in a symphony of prayer, My heavenly Father will do it for you. Psalm 32: 8-10 (TPT) I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with My eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make Me tug you and pull you along. Just come with Me!” So my conclusion is this: Many are the sorrows and frustrations of those who don’t come clean with God. But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness, His wrap-around love will surround you. The Word will not return void! You cannot do things successfully on your own. We need God. Do you want to go to a better place with God? Do you want to know His power? Don’t you want better for your kids, neighbors, this world? We need the broken to be healed. We are the church. We need that passion. Don’t make God tug and pull you along. Just go with Him! People will believe when you follow Him. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” When people are yielded to God, it’s anointed. Let God do His work through His Word. Do the Word, speak the Word. We can soar like the eagle! 

Connect Lesson #16: A Burning For Discerning by Jeremias Alicea

Scripture References: Romans 1:16, Psalm 119:11/105, Psalm 127:1

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

The Word of God is the essential manual for all of life’s questions, trials, and mysteries. God’s Word gives us the ability to know and do incredible things. The Word of God should be as the prophet Jeremiah said… fire shut up in our bones. From it, we have... the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power unto Salvation for all who believe Romans 1:16. The time has come now more than ever for us to really buckle down and study the Word of God like never before. We’ve got to truly know what we believe, increase our knowledge of the Word, and increase the time we spend in prayer with the Lord. People today are confused about what they believe. They’re unsure if what they’re being taught is the truth. There’s only so much knowledge one can gain from television and social media. Pastor Larry put it this way: “The way you combat confusion and disorder is through walking by faith, being patient, knowing God’s Word, living God’s Word, and being victoriously single-minded. Then you exit the free for all.” Many people, even believers, are in a spiritual free for all…arguing and fighting amongst themselves, being selfish and not even considering the Word of God in their lives. It’s foolishness. While it’s true that no one is perfect, we must strive to be at peace with all men. And while things don’t always go the way we want them, we can still choose to love, make better choices, and strive for peace among the brethren. We are at a pivotal point in our nation today. People are like scattered sheep going all different directions without a single clue as to where they are headed. The Word of God helps us to discern the sign of the times. Psalm 119 tells us in vs 11: "Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” and vs 105 says “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path”. Are we rightly dividing truth according to the Word of God?

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why is it important to be discerning now more than ever?

Q#2: When a believer is under pressure, how does his/her response to it reflect their devotion to the Word?

Q#3: What is one practical way that God speaks to us?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

One practical way He speaks to us is through His Word, bearing witness by His Spirit. We can respond to questions people ask through the Word. It strengthens and empowers, bringing light to the darkness and hope into hopelessness. Take delight in the Word of God. It’s the Sword of the Spirit! We’ve got to recognize what’s going on in our heart and minds and we’ve got to straighten out our convictions, beliefs, and standards. Are we falling into the world’s religion of self centeredness and allowing the enemy to pit believers against each other? Are we striving to be what the Lord wants us to be? Are we laying down our lives for the cause and for each other? Are we submitting to God? Are we humbling ourselves to allow God to convict us, change us and make us into what He wants us to be? Are we being faithful in the little things He calls us to do? Listen, this faith race that we’re running is not about behavior modification. We can’t even begin to obey the Word if we don’t even know it. Romans tells us that we have to be changed by the renewing of our minds. An unrenewed mind is a mind likely to make fleshly decisions. The flesh profits nothing. Psalm 127:1 says that Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Are we living to profit ourselves? What is of the Spirit is eternal. What is of the flesh dies. Yes, we can have nice things and build a decent life on this earth for ourselves and our families, but that should pale in comparison to the spiritual lives we must build for ourselves, our families and those seeking to know the truth in these last days.

Final Thought (5 Minutes)

Be who God called you to be. Study His Word, be strong, be courageous, train your children to do the same, because we’re living in perilous times, times that are creating more questions than answers and we need to be prepared to respond to a world filled with questions, fears and doubts. We need to be confident of the very thing God called us to. Let’s be steadfast in the calling and the proclamation of His Word, let’s get real and honest about where our lives are and call upon our brothers and sisters to help us along this race. The finish line is fast approaching and we need to be geared up so we can run this race! Be led by the Spirit and allow God to show you mighty things to come.

Lesson #15: Lean on Me by Pastor Larry Raftery

Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV), Matthew 11:29 (NKJV), Acts 17:28 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

On Sunday morning, Pastor shared with us that he was out in the yard on  Wednesday and the Lord spoke to him saying, “Lean on Me”. He said, that to him, it was as if “Lean on Me” was a key to survival,  a weapon in combat, or directions in righteousness. The words “Lean on Me” are life-giving. That phrase is meant to bring life, renew life, and strengthen life. When He said, “Lean on Me”, there it was, a purpose beyond a support system. It involved learning and living. When he said, “Lean on Me”, it was emphatic because without understanding and being able to apply this phrase “Lean on Me”, we would be deceived to believe a lie, preyed upon and manipulated, or seduced off course and led astray by the enemy of our soul. God is saying with a sense of urgency, “Lean on Me!” So, you can learn, live, lean on God. Learn from God, live for God, and lean on God because Satan seeks to draw us away from God in these last days. Learn from God because Satan seeks to thwart us in God’s purpose and plan to harvest souls in the last days. Live for God because Satan seeks for us to deny God the glory, honor, and praise that’s due Him. Live Godly lives by putting faith and trust in Him.  We are not in Satan’s grip, but we are in God’s loving arms! In these last days, we need to lean on Him and place our focus on the life of Christ and his power that’s in us. Don’t get consumed with fighting the devil or engaging in spiritual warfare. Lean on God, learn from God, and live for God.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What tends to happen when we lean on our own understanding in challenging times?

Q#2: Why do we need to learn, live for, and lean on God more than ever today?

Q#3: Why does it appear at times as if “resisting the devil” doesn’t seem to “work”?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Yes, God’s word urges us to resist the devil and to stand firm and withstand his “clever tricks”, but the truth of God’s Word is that the war has already been won. Defeating the devil was the work of Jesus and it’s been accomplished on the cross. Lean on God, learn from God, and live for God because we belong to God Almighty. He is our source, He is our victor, and He is our ally at all times! He is our strength and supply. He is our protector and deliverer. Again, you’re not in Satan’s grip, you’re in the loving arms of God. He says, “Lean on Me”. God tells us in His Word to “Lean on Me”. Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV) says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. God tells us in His Word to “Learn from Me”. Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) says, Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God tells us in His Word to “Live for Me”. Acts 17:28 (NKJV) says, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Learning from Him is all about taking direction from Him. Don’t turn a deaf ear to His call or have a defiant attitude toward His commands. Taking direction from God frees God to bless you. Say it, “I can take direction from Him”. Living for Him is all about traveling with Him. Say it, “I can travel with Him”. To travel with God is to travel with hope’s expectation. There is always something good just ahead even though you can’t see it. Trust in Him and as you lean on Him, take from Him. As you learn from Him, travel with Him and live in hope! 

Connect Lesson 14: Fight Freedom’s Fight by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References:  I Corinthians 14:33, II Corinthians 2:14,  I John 5:4 (TPT)/(NLB), I John 5: 4 (TPT), James 4:7 (NKJV), II Corinthians 1:19-20, 22 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

As Christians, we’ve all got a few fights under our belt. We’ve fought with family members, people at work, or other Christians. Some fights we’ve picked or started ourselves. Other fights came our way without our invitation. We’ve watched fights from the side-lines and cheered for our favorite. But then there are those strange times when a fight accelerates into a free-for-all, where people are hitting people without any just cause. You’ve seen it in professional sports, two players get into a fight, then suddenly the bench clears and everyone’s in the fight. Our message is about life seeming to be a fight and at times turning into a free-for-all.  You start getting hit from every direction without cause and you say things like: “I didn’t do anything to them, what’s up with this? “Are people crazy?” “Where did this come from?” You’re doing everything you can to avoid getting hit. You try hard to get out of the way, but you’re getting blindsided. Your life is focused in a specific direction, and then out of left field, you get run over. It wasn’t anything you expected, it caught you off guard. In a free-for-all, there’s a lot of confusion. I Corinthians 14:33 says, For God is not the author of confusion but of peace. This “free-for-all” didn’t drop out of heaven, it came from hell. Satan is the author of confusion and disorder.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a “free-for-all”? How did you handle it?

Q#2: What impact does being in a “free-for-all” potentially have on your overall well being?

Q#3: How should we as believers combat the confusion the enemy tries to bring into our lives?

Life Application (5-7 Mintues)

The way you combat confusion and disorder is through walking by faith, being patient, knowing God’s Word, living God’s Word, and being victoriously single-minded. Then you exit the “free for all”.  II Corinthians 2:14 says, Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph. In Christ, the direction of God’s leading is always in triumph, always in the direction of a grand and glorious victory! I John 5: 4 (TPT) says, You see, every child of God overcomes the world for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. The New Living Bible says, For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Every child of God defeats this evil world through faith. Again, victory is always achieved by being patient, knowing God’s Word, living God’s Word, and being single-minded. That’s faith. Faith is a mighty spiritual force that comes from a person’s heart. Faith is assured of God’s promise and God’s Word. Within every one of God’s promises is the power to perform what’s been promised. When you look at one of God’s promises and embrace it with faith, assurance, or conviction, the power of the promise is released. The real facts of life are written in the Word of God’s promises. Say it, “It is written”. Faith brings the reality of God’s promise into your life. The spiritual force called “faith” is always forward directed. Faith is always reaching forward to what God has promised and provided. He always leads us in triumph. In Christ, when the free-for-all starts, it’s the evil of this world showing up to show off. Faith says, “Shove off, Devil!” James 4:7 (NKJV) says, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Before we tell the devil to “shove off”, we must submit to God. God has a plan to take us out of the middle of this “free-for-all”. Are you getting tired of getting hit? Then submit to God’s Word. Let’s do what it takes so we can enjoy the fruit of victory for a while. Fight freedoms fight!

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

You’ve got to decide what you’re going to declare. You’ve got to declare the promise. Who are you connected to? Is it your heavenly Father? He knows everything about you. We need to be bathed in love as never before. Love never stops loving. The world will try to “power words” to create a perception that isn’t reality. They will try to manipulate your feelings using words that cause you to relive past experiences and bring back those negative feelings. But God has never stopped loving us. Love never gives up. It is a safe home. It brings a sense of hope. We need to put hope over perception and deception. We must submit to our Heavenly Father, not the distractions of the enemy. He has no authority over you. Get behind me Satan! You belong to God and you have covenant rights. No evil or plague shall come near your dwelling. We’ve got to keep on praising God even when people try to tell us not to. II Corinthians 1:19-20, 22 (TPT) says, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He is the one whom Timothy, Silas, and I have preached to you-and He has never been both a “yes” or “no”. He has been and always will be a resounding “YES!”. For all of God’s promises find their “yes” of fulfillment in Him. And as our “yes” and our “amen” ascend to God, we bring Him glory! He knows we are His since He has also stamped His seal of love over our hearts and has given us the Holy Spirit like an engagement ring is given to a bride - a down payment of the blessings to come! We must commit only to God. We have to decide who our partner is. It is the lover of our soul or the enemy? We’ve got to choose today! Amen.

Connect Lesson #13: Blending the Generational Blessing by Pastor Larry Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV), 1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 105:1 (NLT), James 5:16 (TPT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Last week we celebrated Father’s Day. We said that the great power associated with fatherhood is the power of influence. Sometimes we think our fathers don’t understand our generation. Look around, all kinds of generations are represented in society. Each generation has its own set of responsibilities. All of us have responsibilities to the generation that we are a part of and to the generation on either side of us. In this blend of generations, we have the responsibility to bring knowledge and develop skills. I Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) says: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Paul is dealing here with spiritual growth and responsibility. Raising children is a huge responsibility, but “being a child” doesn't carry the same weight of responsibility. Have you ever thought: “I'd love to be a child again or I'd love to be a teen again?” Well, wish away, but we have a generational assignment that God has preordained for us. We are placed into the blessings, promises, and responsibilities of our generation and it’s up to us to participate in the generational blessings. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) says: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why do we have a responsibility to BOTH of the generations on either side of us?

Q#2: Do you find that now more than ever, it’s important to bear the responsibility of bringing knowledge and skills to the next generation? Why or why not?

Q#3: What do you believe is the best way for children to obtain maturity and responsibility?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Let’s say it: “My generation is chosen by God”. Every generation must forge ahead into what the future holds for it. Proclaiming our generational blessings, promises and responsibilities is the responsibility of the entire generational community. Children learn responsibility and maturity from the adult generations living around them. Children are taught responsibility and maturity through observation and instruction. Psalm 79:13 says: So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations. Pastor Larry said that when he read Psalm 79:13, he saw a generational assignment for a lifetime. He sees the church being filled with joy and thanksgiving for all that God has done. All of this joy and thanksgiving was coming from different generations, sharing their praise for God. Again, responsibility and maturity come from observation and instruction. All of us have a responsibility to our generation and the generations around us. We get lost when we forget community. Give thanks and show forth His praises before all generations.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

Psalm 105:1 (NLT) says: Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world (every generation) know what He has done. God has done both small and great things for all of us and it's time that we let every generation know. We have generational responsibilities. James 5:16 (TPT) says: Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another (a generational assignment) and then pray for one another to be instantly healed (a generational responsibility) for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a Godly believer! The power of prayer rest in every generation. We need the wisdom of this collective generational community blending the generational blessing!

Connect Lesson 12: Champions of Influence by Pastor Larry Raftery

Scripture References: John 10:29, John 14:9, John 1:14, John 6:57, John 10:38, John 6:27, John 10:30, John 8:54, John 5:20, John 8:28, John 10:18, John 8:38

Overview (5-7 minutes)

Our Heavenly Father is the “Champion” of Fatherhood. Jesus establishes that fact in John 10:29 saying, “My Father is greater and more powerful than all”. There’s a great power associated with Fatherhood and that’s the power of influence. That “powerful influence” was seen in the Gospel of John through the relationship of Jesus Christ and His Father. In fact, Jesus said in John 14:9, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen My Father”. That’s the power of the Father’s influence. Fathers are that influential. In fact, every father directly or indirectly affects the condition and development of everyone and everything that surrounds them by just being a “father.” Fathers are powerful influencers. Here is the way fathers influence: The father gives life, the father gives identity, and  the father gives direction.

Discussion Questions (20-25 minutes)

#1: How is the effect of spiritual fatherlessness similar to the effect of physical fatherlessness?

#2: Why does a father’s approval carry so much weight in so many lives?

#3: How can a father’s influence provide life and direction?

Life Application (5-7 minutes)

Let’s take a look at the Father’s influence #1.“Fathers Give Life”:  In the scriptures, Jesus said, “The Father gives life”. In John 1:14, Jesus says, “He was begotten of the Father”. In John 6:57, Jesus says, “I live because of the Father”. The influence of every father is to give life in a “one and only” form. Fathers have the God given ability to give your unique life into everyone and everything that surrounds them. When that God life goes into operation, it produces in the lives of the recipients, love, purpose, and attention. If for any reason the Father isn’t allowing the life of God to flow through them, the people around them will be lacking in love, purpose, and attention. Let’s look at the Father’s influence #2. The Father Gives Identity: When the father is making sure that he’s allowing the power of “identity” to flow through him to others, it’s accompanied with a sense of approval, equality, and honor in others. Jesus said in John 10:38, “The Father is in Me and I in the Father”. The Father gives identity. Along with identity,  the father gives approval. John 6:27 says, “God the Father has set His seal on Me.” We are living in a world that is suffering from an identity crisis. Fathers, rise up in the power of the Spirit and know who you are in Christ and Who Christ is in you. We need fathers who know they’ve been accepted into the beloved. Your identity with Christ brings a shared stability to those who surround you.  “Identity” with the Father gives a sense of “equality and honor”. John 10:30 says, “I and My Father are one.” John 8:54 says, “It is My Father Who honors Me”. I know who I am and  what I have. It’s fathers who make known the richness of our inheritance, bringing honor as well as benefit. Looking at the Father’s influence is #3. The Father Gives Direction Through Instruction, Commands and Examples. John 5:20 says, “The Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He Himself does.” In John 8:28, Jesus says, “I do nothing of Myself, but as My Father taught Me...” In John 10:18, Jesus says, “This command I have received from My Father.” In John 8:38,  Jesus says, “I speak what I have seen with My Father...” This is the Father’s influence.

Final Thought (5-7 minutes)

Fathers, you are only equipped to fulfill this awesome position through your yielded-ness to God, our Father. We are not left to be influencers in our own strength and ability. Fathers are leaders for all seasons. God, your Father, lives big within you. He’s got life to give, He’s got identity to give and He’s got direction to give and “You are His man”. Jesus said, “The works that I’ve done shall you do, because I go to My Father and He will send you a helper, the Holy Spirit”. Fathers are Champions of Influence!

Connect Lesson #11:  “I See You” By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG), Matthew 10:30, Genesis 16:2-13, Psalm 27:14 (NLT/MSG), Proverbs 19:23 (NLT/MSG)

Reminder: Please don’t forget to remind your group that they may pay their midweek tithe online, through the app or by texting LACC to 779-77.

Overview (5-10 Minutes)

The title for this lesson: “I See You” was quickened by the Holy Spirit. God wants you to know that He sees you! He’s there with concern, care and provision! Your life matters to him and to others. Even in the midst of billions of people in the world, He sees you. He notices. Psalm 139:13-16 MSG says, He saw you before and during conception...He sculpted you from nothing to something. He’s involved. Matthew 10:30 says, He sees how many hairs you have on your head. He saw you through time, lost and needing forgiveness, and He sent Jesus to die for you. How many of you have taken matters into your own hands when God’s promises weren’t manifested “fast enough”? This thought comes: “He’s not there like He promised, with concern, care, and provision! Your life doesn’t really matter to Him.” That was Abraham and Sarah. God had made them some promises. Spiritual uncertainty makes you believe and feel as if God doesn’t care or that He just isn’t “seeing you”.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Min)

Q#1: Why do you think we as believers tend to grow impatient and doubtful even after God’s given us a promise?

Q#2: What impact can being impatient and doing things on our own have on other people?

Q#3: Have you ever felt like you were among  those who seem to always be treated unfairly all throughout life? How have you handled it and what is its impact on your personal life?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Abraham and Sarah brought someone else into their “we’re not being recognized” party. When you’re feeling sorry for yourself, you can get all kinds of troubled people on board with you. So here’s an egyptian servant in the land of Canaan, the land of prosperity and promise and she’s working for the people that seem to have “everything”. Where is her Canaan? Genesis 16:2-3 says, So Sarai said to Abram, “the Lord has prevented me from having children. No, God had promised you children. Here it is again, spiritual uncertainty. “God doesn’t care” or “He just isn’t ‘seeing you’”. Genesis 16:2 says, “Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. All decisions made in “spiritual uncertainty” or feeling sorry for yourself are regretted. Genesis16:4-6 says, So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault!” Are we missing something here? Look where the fallout goes when you follow someone into the spiritual uncertainty of “God doesn’t care” or “Nobody's ‘seeing me’ here”. Genesis 16:5 says: ...I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!” 6 Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. 

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

How many runaways are we dealing with today? How many of you don’t feel like you got treated fairly in life? You may feel like you’re the person that constantly gets overlooked. Listen, God’s saying He “sees you”! Genesis 16:7 says,  The Angel of the Lord found Hagar and God says…”Yes, I see you!” 8 The Angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied. 9 The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” That’s that’s the last thing a rebellious person wants to hear. But sometimes you’ve got to let it go and let God do it. He sees the heart! Genesis 16:10 says, Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.” I see you...And I pronounce a blessing over you. When God blesses you, He doesn’t take it away. Genesis 16:13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, Who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God Who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One Who sees me?”. In the midst of the battle, God sees you! In that moment Hagar felt known and she gave God the name “El Roi,” (Pronounced EL RO EE) the God who sees me. God is saying....” I see you!” Psalm 27:14 (NLT) Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous, yes, wait patiently for the Lord! The Message Bible says, I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. Proverbs 19:23 (NLT) says, The fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. The Message Bible says, Fear-of-God is life itself, a full life, and serene—no nasty surprises. We’ve got to wait with God, stay with God, take heart and DON’T QUIT!

Connect Lesson #10: Heaven in Your Heart By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: John 14:1-3, John 14:27 (NKJV)/(MSG)/(TPT), Isaiah 55:11 (MSG)/(NLT), Titus 1:15-16 (NLT)/(MSG), Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

Heaven is in your heart. This will be a revelation or infusion. John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled; (bc your heart was blind & ignorant) you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive You to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. God’s plan is to never leave you behind without Him. You are the temple of God and “God dwells in you”! (1Cor 3:16). God doesn’t want His temple, your heart, to be troubled or filled with fear. When Jesus speaks to you out of the scripture, it’s “God’s will” speaking. John 14:27 (NKJV) says, 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Heaven wants to come into your troubled or fearful heart with peace, grace, and glory. God’s peace is heaven on earth. God’s grace is favor on earth. God’s glory makes us rise and shine on earth. A troubled heart is: Distressed, upset, and anxious. If that’s your heart, let heaven’s peace rule and reign, rise and shine. Jesus said… “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you”. Maybe your heart is a “fearful heart”. A fearful heart is a heart that is intimidated, reluctant, and panicked. It lacks heaven’s peace and rest.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why do you think believers easily fall into the trap of having a “troubled heart”?

Q#2: What’s the difference between the world’s peace and the peace that Jesus gives?

Q#3: How can we not only obtain but maintain God’s real peace and rest?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

God wants you knowing in your heart that you’re connected, through the prince of peace, to His rest. Rest is the spiritual reality that comforts and settles your heart no matter what. “Rest” is when “your heart” humbly acknowledges the power and goodness of God. Let’s clear this up: Heaven is in your heart in all its power and presence. Your heart is filled with heaven, not distress, fear, or anxiety. Fear comes many times when a heart is out of harmony with God’s purpose and people. God’s peace is the effect of harmonious relationships. Peace literally means “perfect well-being”. Jesus said, “Perfect well-being I leave with you, My well-being I give to you.” If that’s not “heaven on earth”, nothing else is. John 14:27 (MSG)  says, 27 I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

Final Thought (5-7 Minutes)

John 14:27 (TPT) says, “I leave the gift of peace with you - My peace….” It’s nice to have gifts, but it’s an amazing gift, this gift of peace. We already have the gift of peace as a person. The scripture continues…”Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world”. The peace of the world is fragile…. “but My perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts - instead be courageous!” The only thing that is going to bring Heaven on Earth in your heart is for you to have a courageous attitude. It’s your hope in God and His Word. When you Proclaim God's Word, things just happen. You cannot chain the Word of God. It’s impossible. When you declare the Word, signs and wonders follow it. What changed your life from the sinner that you were? The Word. What changed your life when you had a horrible marriage and God redeemed it? The Word. What changed your life emotionally when you were a basket case? The Word. The Word is so powerful and when it’s put out there in the realm of the spirit and we keep declaring it, it will not come back empty. Isaiah 55:11 (MSG) says, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. What do you want in your hands today? Do you want empty hands or full hands? It continues…They’ll do the work I sent to them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. When you declare it, it becomes a done deal. God is the great deal maker. He’s the only one that can make it happen, the devil is the deal breaker. He gives us fragile peace. It’s weak. God is about giving strength and power. Isaiah 55:11 in the New Living says, It is the same with My Word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. Do you want fruit and abundance in your life? It continues… It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

You can you submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he's going somewhere, he's leaving, but every time you quote the Word of God, it says whatever you're proclaiming it shall prosper. Get the fullness of God's heaven in your heart today. Titus 1:15-16 (NLT) says, Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving because their minds and consciences are corrupted. In The Message Bible it says, Everything is clean to the clean minded; nothing is clean just dirty-minded unbelievers they leave their dirty fingerprints on every thought and act. They say that they know God, but their actions speak louder than their words. The Word says you will know them by their fruit. The Word continues… They’re real creeps, disobedient good-for-nothings. God is asking, Who are we when we're in a battle? When you speak the Word, the victory’s ours but the battle is the Lord’s. Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG) says, “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won't let you down; He won't leave you. You’ve got to know that God has put a courageous spirit within you and that is to win others for His kingdom.  God is about advancing His Kingdom. He loves everyone the same. He’s a just and Holy God and He’s about redemption. In the midst of everything, be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed for God is with you wherever you go and wherever you put your foot. He’s giving it to you as unto Moses. You can't fix it, but God can fix it. Amen!

Connect Lesson 9: The Reward of Faith or Fear by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Revelation 3:7-8 and Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 minutes)

There are many forms of fear swirling around in the world today. It’s important to not let these different fears determine your decisions. These decisions become the “navigational tool” of your life. The future direction of your life is guided by that of faith or fear. Fear not only wants us to make the wrong decisions, fear wants us making no decisions. More failure comes from indecision than ever comes from wrong decisions. With wrong decisions, you have to come up with new solutions and other options. With indecision, you live in the grips of failure, failure to engage, failure to embrace life, and failure to pursue God’s will. The fear of making a mistake causes us to miss glory filled opportunities. God, through His promises and by His Spirit leads us to open doors of opportunities.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Was there ever a time in your life where indecision had a major effect on the outcome of a certain situation? If yes, explain.

Q#2: Why is it important, especially as a believer, to venture out in faith when it comes to walking through doors of opportunities?

Q#3: What guarantee do we have from the scriptures that can encourage us to walk boldly into open doors of opportunities?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Revelation 3:7 says, Jesus has the key of David and He opens the doors that no one shuts and shuts doors no one opens. In verse 8, He says, “I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it”. It’s not that we are without opportunities, in fact, we have an abundance of open doors and opportunities. The question is: Will we use our “fearless faith” to walk through these open doors? Do not let your fears dictate your decisions! Don’t “play it safe” and miss out on open doors of opportunities. Jesus is there in the doorway of open opportunities calling us to venture out to follow Him. It’s faith that keeps you from backing down from open doors of opportunities. It’s faith that says, “God is our promise, so He is my assurance. God is our power, so He is my strength. God is our propitiation, so He is my favor!”

Final Thought (5 Minutes)

Again, Jesus is there in the doorway of open opportunities calling us to venture out. Jesus said to all of us, “Follow me”. We follow Jesus through faith. Fear keeps us from following Jesus. Faith says, “Yes” to Jesus and “No” to self. Fear says, “No” to Jesus and “Yes” to self. Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” This makes it very clear: we follow Jesus, Jesus doesn’t follow us. He has a plan for us, a destiny for us, and a purpose for us. These are fulfilled in our life as we, by faith, follow him. Faith will always take you out of your comfort zone. Faith leads you beyond your knowledge, your understanding, and your ability. It’s faith that keeps you from backing down from open doors of opportunities. We should be working towards the opportunities the Lord places before us because in these opportunities we find life’s delights and rewards!

Connect Lesson #39 When This is Over By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: James 2:17 (NIV) and 2 Corinthians  6:2 (NLT)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

A message had been developing in Pastor’s heart and it’s a single thought: “When this is over...” as in “When this is over, I’m going to: move, take a trip, change jobs...etc”. Whatever you're going to do, start it now or it becomes only the voice of “procrastination”. Procrastinate means: to put forward to tomorrow. Those “tomorrows” keep getting extended to another tomorrow. Collect all your information, get all your counsel, and pray God’s will is revealed to you; then, put your faith in gear through action. James 2:17 (NIV) says: Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. Some people get to the point where they are about to do something and then they get hit with the double whammy: Fear of People & Fear of Failure. Fear feeds on people’s insecurities, killing dreams, stopping visions, destroying lives, and putting destinies on hold. Start where you are with what you have because most of the time, “When this is Over” is never over”. 2 Corinthians  6:2 (NLT):  For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation. God is ready to help you now!

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What are some excuses you’ve given yourself to prevent you from pursuing your dreams?

Q#2: Why do you think the fear of man and failure are so prevalent among believers trying to pursue their dreams?

Q#3: Why do dreams, sometimes die in the midst of “activity”?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Some say, “Pastor, I can’t start today because I’m so busy.” There’s a big difference between activities & actions. Most of our “activity” isn’t productivity. We do things that aren’t productive or meaningful, they just fill in the empty places of our lives. We find ourselves so busy that we have to put off our dreams and visions until “when this is over” is...over. But “when this is over” is never over!  When you begin to act on what the Lord puts into your heart, His help comes.  If our lives are filled with activities & our lips are bursting forth with excuses, we’ve entered “the hesitation zone”. In the “hesitation zone”, activities rule over action, good rules over what’s best, and barren rules over what’s fruitful. Just because you’ve got some motion going doesn’t mean you’ve got action or productivity. Dreams can die in the midst of activity because there’s no action taken towards them. Activities will fill your lives with excuses. Actions will fill your lives with new ideas.  What do you have right now, excuses, or actions? In the “hesitation zone”, it’s easier to talk about “when this is over” than it is to put action into “today”. It’s easier to be busy with mindless activities than it is to “give action” to new ideas. If all you can come up with are excuses for your dreams & visions, you’re in the “hesitation zone”, no matter how much “activity” you’re involved in. But if you’re coming up with new ideas for your dreams & visions, then your faith is in gear through productive action. You might say, “When this is over”....but what about now?

Connect Lesson #8: Coming Together Again by Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: Matthew 18:19-21 (NCV), Matthew 9:36 (NKJV), and Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

We need to understand our reason for coming together. We come together so that things can come together in all of our lives. Matthew 18:19-21 (NCV) says: “Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20 This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.” It's more than just coming together physically, it is coming together in agreement. It creates ”synergy”.  It’s coming together in God’s power and authority. It’s an unstoppable, creative force. Jesus says, “Come together and I’ll be there with you”. God is there as a healer, deliverer, restorer, provider, peace-maker, and way-maker. We come together so that things can come together. When things are falling apart, it's just a sign that everything is starting to come together in a new way. Notice what happened when Jesus gathered people together. Matthew 9:36 (NKJV) says: He was moved with compassion for them, (or it broke His heart) because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: Why is it so important for us to truly understand the value of coming together?

Q#2: Why is it often so difficult for people (sometimes even believers) to want to come together?

Q#3: What does the scripture tell us about the Good Shepherd’s role in bringing us together and how can we carry that on to others?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

The Good Shepherd came with a kind hand and a healing touch for all of us in all our needs. Jesus came for the hurting, confused, sorrowful, frightened, weak, and lost. He’s not "repelled" by any of our needy conditions or attitudes, no matter what they are! Jesus always "gathers" with one purpose in mind: To protect and provide, to comfort and bless, and to help and heal. Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV) says: 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. He will gather his flock in the arms of his power. His strength shall be made perfect in all our weakness. He will gather us in when we wander away. He will gather us up when we fall. He will gather us together when we are separated. We are better off gathering in his presence, so we can reap where we have not sown.

Connect Lesson 6: The Gathering of Hope By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians. 2:17-20 (TPT), Colossians 3:14 (NLT), 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Romans 12:5 (NCV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

1 Thessalonians. 2:17-20 (TPT) says: 17 Beloved friends, we may have been torn away from you physically for a season, but never in our hearts. For we have had intense longings and have endeavored to come and see in your faces the reflection of this great love. 18 We miss you badly, and I personally wanted to come to you, trying again and again, but our adversary, Satan, blocked our way. 19 For what will be our confident hope, our exhilarating joy, or our wonderful trophy that we will boast in before our Lord Jesus at His appearing? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our glorious pride and joy!

We may have been “torn away” from each other physically for a season, but it’s up to us to determine what happens in our hearts. Connectivity needs to be rooted in a deeper bond than just “the natural”. It’s a bond that is cemented in the Spirit. Paul said he never ceased giving thanks for them and prayed for them continually. Colossians 3:14 (NLT) says: Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Though we are not together in person we are bonded together in love and harmony. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 says: For what will be our confident hope, our exhilarating joy, and our wonderful trophy? Paul says, “You are the church!” You are our glorious pride and joy. As the church of Jesus Christ, we share in something that’s beyond an earthly fellowship.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What can happen if our connectivity isn’t rooted in a deeper bond than just “the natural”?

Q#2: Why does Paul stress the importance of “clothing yourselves with love”?

Q#3: How does the enemy often deceive believers into thinking they are “outsiders” within the body of Christ?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

No matter how you feel, no one is an outsider in Christ. Romans 12:5 (NCV) says: In the same way, we are many, but in Christ, we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts. Let’s say it!....“I belong!” You belong to the person of Christ,  the people of Christ, and the purpose of Christ. And in each of these, there is a blessing, the blessing of belonging because we belong to the person, Christ. Redemption and forgiveness belong to us because we belong to the people of Christ. Love, comfort and fellowship belong to us because we belong to the purpose of Christ. Our labor is not in vain in the Lord. No one is an outsider. In Christ, yes, you belong! We are the gathering of hope!

Connect Lesson 6: The Gathering of Hope By Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians. 2:17-20 (TPT), Colossians 3:14 (NLT), 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Romans 12:5 (NCV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

1 Thessalonians. 2:17-20 (TPT) says: 17 Beloved friends, we may have been torn away from you physically for a season, but never in our hearts. For we have had intense longings and have endeavored to come and see in your faces the reflection of this great love. 18 We miss you badly, and I personally wanted to come to you, trying again and again, but our adversary, Satan, blocked our way. 19 For what will be our confident hope, our exhilarating joy, or our wonderful trophy that we will boast in before our Lord Jesus at His appearing? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our glorious pride and joy!

We may have been “torn away” from each other physically for a season, but it’s up to us to determine what happens in our hearts. Connectivity needs to be rooted in a deeper bond than just “the natural”. It’s a bond that is cemented in the Spirit. Paul said he never ceased giving thanks for them and prayed for them continually. Colossians 3:14 (NLT) says: Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Though we are not together in person we are bonded together in love and harmony. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 says: For what will be our confident hope, our exhilarating joy, and our wonderful trophy? Paul says, “You are the church!” You are our glorious pride and joy. As the church of Jesus Christ, we share in something that’s beyond an earthly fellowship.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Minutes)

Q#1: What can happen if our connectivity isn’t rooted in a deeper bond than just “the natural”?

Q#2: Why does Paul stress the importance of “clothing yourselves with love”?

Q#3: How does the enemy often deceive believers into thinking they are “outsiders” within the body of Christ?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

No matter how you feel, no one is an outsider in Christ. Romans 12:5 (NCV) says: In the same way, we are many, but in Christ, we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts. Let’s say it!....“I belong!” You belong to the person of Christ,  the people of Christ, and the purpose of Christ. And in each of these, there is a blessing, the blessing of belonging because we belong to the person, Christ. Redemption and forgiveness belong to us because we belong to the people of Christ. Love, comfort and fellowship belong to us because we belong to the purpose of Christ. Our labor is not in vain in the Lord. No one is an outsider. In Christ, yes, you belong! We are the gathering of hope!

Connect Lesson # 5: God Wants Your Family Blessed - Pastors Larry and Victoria Raftery

Scripture References: 2 Samuel 7:18-21 (MSG), Ephesians 3:14-16 (NKJV), Philippians  4:19 (NKJV)

Overview (5-7 Minutes)

God wants your family blessed no matter what. 2 Samuel 7:18-21 (MSG) says King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: “Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming, for you’ve also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master God! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You’ve done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—But you’ve let me in on it.” God’s desire is to let your family into all of His many blessings. The blessings of God’s fullness for families come because of who He is, not because of who you are. God wanted David to know and he wants us to know that our families are of great significance to Him now and to all of his future plans.

Discussion Questions (20-25 Mintues)

Q #1: What is so significant about David’s humility in his heartfelt prayer to God?

Q #2: Why is it important for us to recognize that the blessings bestowed upon us and our families have nothing to do with who we are?

Q #3: What benefits can come for us and our families when we ground ourselves in the Word of God?

Life Application (5-7 Minutes)

Ephesians 3:14-16 (NKJV) says 14 For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. The Lord wants to see our families living with a powerful inward strength, a sense of great significance drawn from the riches of His glory. God wants you feeling good inside of your life and inside the life of your family. No family is strong enough to manage its affairs apart from God’s provision. Philippians  4:19 (NKJV) says 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God supplies the needs of the family through “His Word”, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The family is always the object of God’s special concern. Why? Because it carries His name. Family is God’s idea! It’s to be lived out under the authority of God’s Word. Our family loses its way when we depart from the Word of God in our attitudes and actions.  God wants to move in your life and the life of your family today. God wants your family blessed!

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!

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!

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?