Luke 15.11-32 God’s grace toward you was lavish. It was undeserved, unearned and unmerited. That is the “scandal” of grace. Show that same grace towards others. You’ve received lavish grace, now show it to others. Luke 15.11-32

The lawyer said that we should love others with the same excessive, extravagant love that we are to love God with. Jesus agreed. Luke 10.25-37. Are you doing that? So who is NOT your neighbor? Everyone is your neighbor!

Being a “neighbor” and loving others will… Cost you time Luke 10.25-37

Being a “neighbor” and loving others will… Cost you time Cost you money Luke 10.25-37

Being a “neighbor” and loving others will… Cost you time Cost you money Mean you’ll get dirty fingernails Luke 10.25-37

Being a “neighbor” and loving others will… Cost you time Cost you money Mean you’ll get dirty fingernails Requires compassion Luke 10.25-37

Fully following Jesus is worth whatever you leave behind. Matt 4.18-22

If you aren’t fishing, you aren’t fully following. One of the biggest, yet most neglected ways we follow Jesus is to fish for people. Matt 4.18-22

Jesus said, “I’ll make sure fishers of men.” He didn’t say, “I’ll make you catchers of men.” Our job is to fish. The Holy Spirit’s job is to catch! But, if you don’t fish, you will never catch. Matt 4.18-22

Matt 4.18-22. So what do you need to know to fish for men? Jesus died on the cross for you. That He rose from the dead to give you life. That if you turn from your sins and turn to Jesus, you’ll find forgiveness and that He has secured a place for you in Heaven. Now go fishing!

If you don’t’ catch on the first cast, keep casting! The only way you can fail at fishing is if you fail to fish. Don’t get discouraged. Keep casting! Matt 4.18-22

Robert Griffin III said, “Make sure you know your ‘why’ in life.” So “why” do we follow Jesus? It’s in response to the love God demonstrated toward us on the Cross. Jesus is your “why”

Our “why” is in response to what God did for us. So “what” does that mean for us? Leave behind unforgiveness, comfort, selfishness & excuses Say “Yes” to discipling children Say “Yes” to being an active participant in worship Say “Yes” to your small group and fishing for men

We know the “why” and we’re committed to the “what” but “how” are we going to accomplish these things? Understanding there is “no condemnation for those in Christ” (Rom 8.1) As a co-heir with Christ, abandoning fear (Rom 8.15-18) and believing God is for you (Rom 8.28)

Rom 8.31-37 says “Because of God’s love toward me, I overwhelmingly conquer through Jesus” What does that mean? God is for me! He gives me what I need No charges against me stick Jesus prays for me & Nothing can separate me from God’s love!

Moses’ heart matched God’s heart. That’s the most significant thing that can happen to a person. We’re not talking preferences or pet-peeves. Important things that matter to God. God will use the person whose heart and passions align with His in the lives of others. Exodus 2 & 3

The most critical function of church is this, the lost being saved, people maturing in Christ and disciples multiplying like crazy. You can throw just about everything else out. We must get that part right

What is real biblical community? A commitment of more than just an hour a week. A place where the needs of others are more important than your own. A place where broken and flawed people are set free, together. That’s community

What does real community look like? A place where we choose transformation over tradition. Where reaching the lost is more important than our personal preferences. When we not only sing about grace on Sunday but show it on Monday. That’s community

Who did Jesus come for? The least, the lonely, the left-out, the lost and those on the fringes. Who should the church be reaching today? The same group