Faithful Followers

Faithful Followers Pray

May 26, 2024 • Pastor Danny Bennett • 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:1–4, Colossians 1:9–10, John 14:13–14, 1 Timothy 2:1

Faithful Followers Pray https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/2%20cor%205.17 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! Where Churches get off-track: Focus Funds Facilities Fear https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/col%201.1-4 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. 2 We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace. 3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people… How Were They Faithful Followers? https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/col%201.9-10 9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. How We Can Struggle With Prayer We get busy. It can be awkward. We don’t feel worthy. Lack of faith. Why Prayer Matters 1. It honors GOD. https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/john%2014.13-14 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! 2. It helps others. https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/1%20tim%202.1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 3. It’s good for your health.

Faithful Followers Discern

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Danny Bennett • Colossians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 12:10, Philippians 1:9–10, 1 Timothy 3:6

A Faithful Follower Discerns 9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/col%201.9 2 BIG Misconceptions about Spiritual Discernment 1. You just need to know the bible. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/1%20cor%208.1 Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2. You must have the spiritual gift. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/1%20cor%2012.10 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/phil%201.9-10 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment. How To Grow in Discernment: 1. It takes time. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/1%20tim%203.6 A church leader must not be a new believer. 2. It takes knowing God’s truth. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/heb%204.12 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 3. It takes standing for God’s truth. https://biblia.com/bible/niv/rom%2012.2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Grace City Church