02 Jul “The Foundation from Matthew” | All Locations
Announcements:
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
Reminder: Please check your planning center profiles for requests to join and also remove members from the list that no longer attend as well as add members not listed. Thank you.
LEADERS: WE HAVE CHANGED UP THE DISCOVER CLASS WHICH USED TO BE GROWTH TRACK AND ARE ASKING ALL LEADERS TO RE-TAKE THIS A SOME POINT. BELOW IS THE CLASS SCHEDULE:
FIRST WEEKEND: DISCOVER
SECONE WEEKEND: NO CLASSES
THIRD WEEKEND: CONNECT
FOURTH WEEKEND: BAPTISM
ALL CLASSES ARE AFTER FIRST SERVICE ON SUNDAYS
NEW ENGLAND LEADERS:
NEW** Abundant Hope is looking for Brand New Summer/Fall Baby and Toddler Clothing for their community bank. These items are for women who have decided to keep their baby. We will be collecting Clothing at all of our NE locations from June 25 – July 9 in the Giving Boxes located in your location. Here is what the need is:
Girls: 18-24 months
Boys 12-24 months
Boys and Girls: 9-12 months
Join Cody Carnes on the second leg of his God is Good! Tour with special guest Benjamin William Hastings this summer! This tour serves as a faith-filled intersection of worship and fellowship where we can come together and lift high the name of Jesus. Featuring some of Carnes’ hits like “Run To The Father” and “Nothing Else” and the Carnes/ Hastings hit “Take You At Your Word”, these nights are going to be really special. We hope to see you there!
ALL CLASSES ARE AFTER FIRST SERVICE ON SUNDAYS
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Go to your email, add no-reply@churchcenter.com to your contacts (PLEASE ASK ME IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND) THANKS!
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All announcements and the Waters Event Calendar can be found at: waterschurch.org/events)
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
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Key Verse: Matthew 7
Ice breaker:
Q. What is your favorite 4th of July tradition and why?
As we come into this passage in Matthew, Jesus is coming to the end of the greatest sermon ever preached: The Sermon on the Mount. Two-thousand years ago, Jesus taught the original ‘Master Class.’ He was not trying to give us knowledge or change our behavior but was ushering in His Kingdom.
Jesus wants us to be about ushering in His Kingdom. He wants us to be salt and light, to bring the Kingdom of Heaven wherever we go. In the Sermon on the Mount, He is highlighting the condition of our hearts. Jesus wants us to view our lives and see how things could be, how things should be, and how they will be.
(You can read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5)
Matthew 7:24-29 (ESV)
This is the story of a wise man and a foolish man.
Matthew 7:24a (NLT)
There are two components in this passage: listening and following. Jesus is trying to increase us in the area of wisdom.
It is not just about memorizing Scripture, but it is about applying Scripture. Until we begin to apply what we know, the difficult passages of God’s Word will not make sense.
We cannot apply what we do not know. We can learn much more about God’s word than we actually apply, and we may know many things we still have not yet applied.
We can be Biblically educated beyond our level of obedience.
Have you applied what you know?
Q. How do you approach the balance between listening to God’s Word and applying it in your life? Are there areas where you find it easier to listen but struggle to put the teachings into practice?
Matthew 7:25 (NLT)
Jesus is not saying, ‘if the storms come.’ They will come. We will face trials and tribulations. We should not be surprised when they come, but we should be working on our foundation before they arrive so that we can weather any storms that come our way. The storms will come when we least expect them.
Matthew 7:26-27 (NLT)
If we wait until the storms come, then we are foolish.
Perhaps, instead of asking God to take away the storm, our prayer might be:
“God, give me stable feet for unstable ground. God, would you give me the foundation that can weather the storms.”
We have all the materials we need to build a firm foundation, but many of us still have them in boxes.
Q. In what practical ways can we proactively build a firm foundation in our spiritual lives? What specific habits, practices, or disciplines can help us establish a solid foundation in our faith? Share examples of how these practices have made a difference in your own life or the lives of others.
1. We are all building a LIFE.
Some people are just ‘living their lives.’ Whatever happens, happens. However, when building a physical house, we must have plans, designs, and drawings. We cannot just say we will ‘wing’ it and let the house build itself.
Building a house requires intentionality and a great plan. We cannot afford to do whatever the culture’s winds or our feelings tell us. The Word of God is clear, we are to build our life on a firm foundation, and we need to be serious about the things of God right now.
Hebrews 9:27 ESV)
Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
When we understand the brevity of life, it gives us a heart of wisdom.
Wisdom is to know and apply the teachings of Jesus.
Q. Can you share some ways to seek and apply God’s wisdom in your daily life? Share any personal experiences where understanding the brevity of life has led to a shift in perspective or a renewed commitment to living according to God’s teachings.
Q. How can we encourage one another to pursue wisdom and intentional life-building?
2. Build WISLEY.
The foolish person asks these questions:
a. How will this make me feel?
We are headed for trouble when we allow our feelings to dictate our decisions. Decisions lead, feelings follow, not the other way around.
b. Will it make me happy?
Happiness is short-term, and joy is long-term.
c. Will it feel good doing it?
This will lead to destruction.
d. What will others think of me?
e. Is it okay?
This is what we should be asking:
Is it Wise?
Q. How can the fear of judgment or the desire for approval from others influence our decision-making? Share instances where you felt pressured to make choices based on what others would think or approve of. How can we overcome these pressures and focus on making wise decisions that align with God’s principles?
3. The FOUNDATION.
Some people have had terrible things happen to them and become bitter. Then there are those who have built their lives on a different foundation and remain generous and kind no matter their circumstances.
Isaiah 28:16
No matter who we are, what we have done, or what has been done to us, there is a God in Heaven who loves us and has a plan and purpose for our lives. It is not too late to build a solid foundation!
What are you building your foundation on?
Challenge:
Spend time individually reflecting on the foundation you are building your life upon. In light of your reflections, identify one area where you want to strengthen and build a solid foundation and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and give you strength.
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