How to Handle Your Anger
Living in this world guarantees that anger will be a common emotion. God’s Word provides helpful wisdom regarding how to handle our anger.
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When Trust Is Broken
Since our words are consistently unreliable, it causes distrust to grow as we relate to one another. When trust is broken, we must find biblical ways to find forgiveness and healing.
Divorce-Proofing Your Marriage
No matter how challenging your marriage is, you can find help. Discover potential marriage separators, and do what you can to avoid them in your relationship.
Protecting from Pornography
To fight against lust, we must have a plan to protect ourselves from pornography. Using scriptural insight and practical wisdom, you can find hope with this struggle.
Making a Spiritual Growth Plan for 2021
You will not grow by accident. To have the blessed life that Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount, we must follow Him on the path of discipleship. We must keep growing.
Intro to the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon in the history of the world. It has been translated and quoted and treasured more than any other. Before starting a thorough study, here is some information that will help you grasp the truth contained within the sermon.
The Power of Humility
When it comes to governmental leadership, we often believe that most is accomplished through some type of conquering force. Jesus was a different type of King and setup a different kind of Kingdom.
The Ending of Hostility
As the United States continues to further the philosophical divide, the greatest point of conflict has to do with how all citizens respond to God. As all nations rage against God, He has a sovereign plan to deal with every single one.
The Changing of Majority
While the standard of morality within the United States continues to drift, Christians are left facing a different spiritual landscape. With the changing of the majority’s beliefs, we must adapt to ensure biblical faithfulness in rebellious times.
The Slide of Morality
Our culture changes the standard of what is acceptable by the year. As our culture moves further from biblical morality, the church must clarify the ideal and define our approach.
The Loss of Civility
With growing political animosity, authorities and citizens alike have discarded common civility. As tempers flare, insults fly, and resistance increases, Christians must stand out as people who can disagree respectably.
The Pressure of Popularity
With increasing pressure to fall into particular political camps, how are Christians supposed to navigate faithfully? We cannot give in to any cultural system, no matter how widely accepted, if it contradicts the truths of Scripture.
The State of Disunity
As we navigate this contentious election season, how are Christians supposed to respond? In light of the state of disunity within the United States of America, disciples of Jesus must prove themselves to be different from society.
Crucifixion
While Jesus’ death seemed like a shocking defeat to his followers, the crucifixion of Christ was God’s plan all along. By studying the context of the event, we can understand what Jesus truly accomplished.
Associations
Jesus’ ministry was framed around his association with two critical groups of people: sinners and self-righteous. To understand these complex dynamics reveals the nature of Jesus’ approach. Download Handout – 10 – Associations Video Audio The Sinners Jesus was the easiest on the sinners and the toughest on the self-righteous. Jesus was often criticized for his association with sinners. While …
Disciples
Jesus’ calling of the disciples displayed the attribute of grace. When you look at this unique group of men he chose, there isn’t anything special about them. They weren’t obvious choices, and yet, they were Jesus’ choices. Due to that reason, they would develop into what Christ had called them to be. DOWNLOAD HANDOUT – 09 – Disciples Video Audio …
Ministry
Jesus’ ministry only lasted three years, but the effect of it has completely changed history. In studying the critical components of his ministry, we can better ascertain the purpose for which he came. Download Handout – 08 – Ministry Video Audio The Revelation of the Christ Teaching with Authority Jesus started his teaching ministry when he came to his hometown …
Preparation
Between the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry, little is known about his life. The gospel authors reported very sparse details, but what we do know provides great insight into his preparation for the ministry. Download Handout – 07 – Preparation Video Audio Notes Jesus’ Lost Years Jesus’ family flees to Egypt and later returns to Nazareth …
Incarnation
The New Testament begins with the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God came in the flesh to rescue us. Video Audio Notes Download Handout – 06 – Incarnation Incarnate comes from Latin and means “in the flesh” (in – in, carnis – flesh). Prophecy Jeremiah 23:5 – Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for …
The 4 Gospels
As we study the New Testament, we must unpack the reasoning, audience, and direction of the 4 Gospels. Download Handout – 05 – The 4 Gospels Video Audio
New Testament Overview
The New Testament is 27 books that tell 1 story. Learn how the New Testament was compiled and organized in order to observe the impact it has made. Download Handout – 04 – New Testament Overview Video Audio
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 4]
In this Resurrection Sunday edition of Ask Pastor Trav, we engage one simple question: Can God be trusted during difficult times? To answer this question, Pastor Travis reads a writing he compiled called Jesus’ resume to remind us of his power, concern, and willingness. VIDEO AUDIO
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 3]
This week’s edition of Ask Pastor Trav prepares us to answer questions regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection. 5 Questions 1. Did Jesus have a substitute on the cross?2. Did Jesus actually die?3. Do the Gospels agree about the resurrection details?4. Is the tomb really empty?5. Did the disciples lie about the resurrection? And if Christ has not been raised, then …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 2]
Since we can’t gather for Equip tonight, Pastor Trav is answering 5 submitted questions in a 30-minute segment called, “Ask Pastor Trav.” Enjoy! 5 Questions Where did Jesus go after he died? Should we obey the government’s gathering guidelines? Should we treat Easter Sunday differently? What could God be teaching the Church during this time? What could God be teaching …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 1]
Since we can’t gather for Equip tonight, Pastor Trav is answering 5 submitted questions in a 30-minute segment called, “Ask Pastor Trav.” Enjoy! 5 Questions If Jesus died on Friday, then shouldn’t he have come back on Monday? Why would God not listen to my prayers? Can you lose your salvation? Why was Moses not able to go into the …
The Story of the Bible
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected, moralistic stories. It is the one overarching story of how the cross of Christ will rescue a fallen people. OLD TESTAMENT SECTIONS Creation– God created the world out of nothing. Fall– Mankind rebelled against God. Flood– God punished sin. Covenant– God made a covenant with Abraham’s family. Placement– God placed Joseph and his …
Intro to the New Testament
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” -Matthew 16:15 The Meaning of the New Testament The Bible is made up of two units – the Old Testament and the New Testament. “Testament” means covenant, so the first section of the Bible describes the Old Covenant, while the second section describes the New Covenant ushered in …
Aligning Your Plan
If you look at your current financial picture, you might notice too many issues to address at once. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the numerous tasks, rely on biblical wisdom and align your plan with immediate obedience and gradual progression. #1. Prioritize God’s wisdom over others’ opinions. Proverbs 2:3-4 – Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your …
Enjoying Your Blessings
Christians often feel tension with knowing how to respond to God based upon our blessings in the light of others’ misfortunes. If we give credit to God for our blessings, how should we show an adequate attitude of gratitude? Unfortunate Responses Ingratitude – A sense of false guilt regarding blessings does not show gratitude toward God. Disdain – A refusal …
Funding Your Future
While none of us know the time or the manner of our passing, we know we must be prepared. In an effort not to be a burden to others but to be a blessing to others at the time of our passing, you must make preparations now. By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding, it is established; By knowledge, …
Eliminating Your Debt
Debt seeks to secure our happiness now by committing to pay more for it later. Regardless of how much debt you have accumulated, learn some biblical and practical steps to reduce your debt now, and remove the opportunity to increase more debt later. Proverbs on Debt Prov. 11:15 – Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, …
Balancing Your Finances
We tend to polarize financial convictions, but the Bible provides surprising wisdom to obtain balance. If we learn God’s financial perspective, we will benefit from obeying biblical practices. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. -Prov. 8:10-11 Better is …
Stress: The Anxious Disposition
If left unchecked, stress has a way of hindering the essential parts of your life. God’s Word provides powerful yet practical ways to address mounting pressure. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be …
Debt: The Financial Strain
Discontentment will lead to justifying debt. When your finances get overwhelming, it drastically alters every other aspect of your life. What Does the Bible Say About Debt? Proverbs 22:7 – The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Romans 13:7-8 – Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes …
Transitions: The Unsure Direction
We all experience moments of transition with decisions we make or situations beyond our control. How do you determine your path when you are unsure of God’s direction? Ephesians 5:15-17 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what …
Divorce: The Deceitful Escape
While divorce may seem like a desirable path for some couples, it is never a simple escape from trouble. Before going down this path, there are many things that must be considered. How Bad Is It? How committed are you in order to make things work? How committed is your spouse to that end? What are the 1-3 things that …
Consequences: The Unfortunate Reality
After making a bad decision, we are often left with the unfortunate reality of consequences. How should we go forward when we are dealing with effects from previous decisions? Why Am I Going Through This Situation? Is God trying to teach me a lesson? Is Satan trying to take me down? Are enemies trying to frustrate me? Are my consequences …
Implementing Discipleship
Even though you haven’t implemented the entire Distinctive Discipleship process yet, hopefully, you are already beginning to see some growth. In this last session, you will put all the pieces together and initiate your plan. While you have experienced progress, now it is time to define your distinctive strategy which you will use for the months to come. CONSIDER While we all …
Establishing Dependence
Paul described discipleship in a complex way when he wrote, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within us” (Col. 1:29). God’s work and our efforts are both expected for our growth. In the last session, we studied the need for discipline as we toil for progress, but any successful improvement is due to …
Clarifying Development
In what ways do you need development? It all depends upon what you have been given and where you have been placed. As particularly gifted and positioned disciples, we each should pursue the needed maturity to do what God has called us to accomplish. CONSIDER There’s a difference in working on something because you are supposed to learn it versus …