Key Verse: Matthew 12

Ice Breaker:

Q. If you could go back in time, what era would you go to and why?

OR

(If anyone in your group has a testimony from last weeks challenge or from the fast, use this as an icebreaker).

From the message prior to last week, we were given this challenge:  Take time to pause. Open your Bible and read. After reading, take a few moments to reflect, and maybe journal your thoughts. Repeat this daily throughout the week. 

Hebrews 12:26-29 (NKJV)

God is shaking the world today.  He is preparing the world for His Son.  Jesus is going to return. 

We live in a crazy world where everything is upside down.  Not just in America, but all over the world.  This is because Satan knows his time is short and he is bringing chaos to men and women everywhere.  But there are unshakable truths that cannot be moved.

Q.  The world is in a state of upheaval and chaos, attributed to Satan’s influence. How might this understanding impact our perspective on the challenges we face in our daily lives? What are some ways we can remain steadfast in our faith despite these challenges?

Seven Unshakable Truths

1. There is only one true God.

John 17:3 (NKJV)

We live in a world with a multitude of gods.  People all over the world worship all different things but, the God of the Bible, the Father of our Lord, is the only true God and every other god is an imposter.

Other gods demand things from their followers, but our God is gracious, loving, and merciful.  He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present).  He is the same today, yesterday, and forever!

Matthew 6:24-26 (NKJV)

People today worship money.  We have Churches today that worship money and do not worship the God of the Bible.  There is nothing wrong with having money, but when we love money, that is the problem.

Money cannot talk, cannot give us peace, and cannot free us from sin.  Only God can give us true peace and free us from our sins.

Ephesians 3:20

No matter how deep our sin is, our God is able to save and change us.

Q.  How can the pursuit of wealth affect our relationship with God and our priorities in life? What are practical ways we can ensure that our devotion remains centered on God rather than material possessions?

2. There is only one true Savior.

Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

It is not about religion, but it is about having a relationship with the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  There is no other name given among men in which we are saved.

It does not matter who we are or what we have done, but we have a Name we can call upon!

3. There is only one way to Heaven.

John 14:6 (NKJV)

There are not many ways to God.  There is only one way and Jesus said He is the way.  Any other way is the wrong way.

John 10:9 (NKJV)

Q.  How can we, as Christians, maintain respect and understanding for others who do not believe there is only one way to Heaven, while still holding firm to the truth?  Is there a recent testimony you can share relating to this?

4. There is only one way to receive power.

We need power to live in an evil world.  The enemy is against us and as Christians, we will face difficulties.  This world is at enmity with God.  The world hates God. 

As Christians, we are called to be different and we need the power of God.  He has given us the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us.  He will always be there to see us through. 

He gives us the power by the Holy Spirit not just to ‘be’ but also to ‘do’.  Before Jesus died, He gave his followers His plan and then He gave us the Holy Spirit to do His work here on earth.

We must do the work Jesus gave us to do as many people are going down the wrong path. 

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

Q.  How does having the power of the Holy Spirit influence your ability to navigate challenges and make a positive impact on the world around you? 

5. There are only two destinies: Heaven or Hell.

God does not force anyone, but He calls every one of us to come.

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

There are no friends in Hell.  God did not prepare Hell for people but for the devil and his angels.  People go to Hell because they make the choice. 

People cannot be prayed into Heaven either.  The choice is made when we are still alive. 

6. God’s plan of the Gospel is to reach every human being.

We, as Christians, must preach the Gospel to every human being.

Matthew 28:16-20 (NKJV)

This is the mandate of Jesus.  His vision should be our vision.

We are living in the last days and we need to be the salt and the light.

It is not just the pastor or preacher’s job to reach people with the Gospel, it is also our job.  What happens in the Church should inspire us to witness to others.

There are people the pastor cannot reach who we can reach.  Our neighbors, co-workers, family, etc. 

Jesus said we must go!

Q.  How can we practically be salt and light in our daily lives? Can you share examples of how your actions, attitudes, and interactions reflect being the salt and light to those around you?

7. All believers are called to the ministry of reconciliation.

Many people are searching for something and will not find it in alcohol, drugs, religion, or anything other than the Lord.  We, as Christians, have the power to reach them with the Gospel.

We must share the Gospel.  We must understand it is not about having our favorite preachers and teachers but it is about doing the works for Jesus.

Everywhere we go, we are Christians.  We may not always behave the way we should, but that is why He gave us the Holy Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 5:11-17 (NKJV)

We have the Ministry of Reconciliation.  We can speak His words to people and by His power, others can be reconciled to Christ!

These are the basic truths and when we understand these truths, we will never be shaken.

Challenge: Select one of the unshakable truths mentioned in the text that you feel particularly drawn to or challenged by.

Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on how this truth applies to your life. Consider its implications for your decisions, interactions, and attitudes.

Think of specific actions you can take based on the chosen truth. For example:

–If you chose the truth about the need for power, dedicate time each day for prayer and connection with the Holy Spirit, especially when facing challenges.

-If you chose the truth about the Gospel’s reach, identify at least one person in your life who needs to hear the Gospel and make a plan to share it with them in a gentle and respectful manner.