Open Secret

TARGET: Request book proof by end of 2nd week. - April 12

Liz:

I added a picture of what I thought a secret might look like when illustrated.

1. The categories are good. what about secrets that fall under more than one category?
   • I don't know. Maybe we narrow them down? Or maybe just tag things and come up with an arrangement of the secrets that make sense? You know, how GMail tags/labels things.
2. What about changing money to “money and materialism?”
   • But there's no materialism secret in that section yet. I don't really care though.
3. The money secrets are money. Ha ha.
   • I added two more money secrets and they're also money :^)

Liz: I wish that this book would lead people to be more open and real and vulnerable. Spark conversations so that people would talk about this stuff.

Grant: This book is anti-shame. and self-deprecating.

Airing our dirty laundry.

The statements are what they are. We should remove the “sometimes” from them.

We don't want to personally profit from this book. 100% of earnings is donated. “For all the hungry people in the world.”

Ideas:

• illustrations
• illustrations across from scripture references
• illustrations across from statistics
• sections of illustrations with similar themes
• blank pages for your own secrets

intensity of secrets: crescendo/decrescendo ?

not giant but big enough for illustrations

Looking forward:

• Need to check the page limit and dimension stuff.
• Now we need to group things and prune things and rewrite secrets.
• Need a non-cheesy title.

Bible Topic Indexes

• http://www.bibletopics.com/topics.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/topical.htm
• http://www.clarion-call.org/studies/topics.htm
• http://www.biblepathway.org/English/BPindex.html
• http://www.scripturemenu.com/
• I have a Bible topic book. Will raid for scripture references.

• Cover
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Introduction from Grant and Liz
• Sectionals
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

1. Church feels more like a social club than the body of Christ.
   • 
   • Lines for writing
2. Church is my country club.
   • Want some kind of sign like “Members Only”.
   • Scripture
3. Church is all white and I like it that way.
   • Show under tones of comfort or racism.
   • Statistics
4. I go to church to meet men, not worship God.
   • 
5. I think Catholic traditions are stupid and weird.
   • 
   • Is this too insensitive?

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. Mt 16:18, Revised Standard Version

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:4-8

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. —1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. —Ephesians 5:22-33

1. I think the bible is a work of fiction.
   • a collection of myth and legend?
2. I'm a doubting Thomas about the Bible.
   • I trust what I've experienced of Jesus more than I trust what is written about Him in the Bible.
   • Have a hand with a hole in it guiding another to a pierced side.
3. I can't reconcile every piece of Scripture to the rest.
   • Maybe show alternate creation story steps.
4. I prefer The Message because it makes sense when I read it.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. —Psalm 19:7-9

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. —Psalm 119:11

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. —Psalm 119:130

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you. —1 Peter 1:22-25

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. —Revelation 22:18-19

1. We're all so rich in America, I doubt any of us get in to heaven.
   • Have the camel passage scripture oppose the page and maybe be included in the illustration.
2. I treat the homeless differently around Christians than when alone.
3. Most people give less than 5% to our church.
   • need proper statistic for this one
4. The church feels like the government and my tithe is like a tax.
5. My company is more charitable with its money than my church.
   • need to find a good statistic for this
6. My company is more transparent about money than my church.
7. I feel condemned when people criticize my giving.

Parable of the rich fool with the grain bins who builds and builds.

If you stop your ears to the cries of the poor, your cries will go unheard, unanswered. -Proverbs 21:13

“You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.” -Matthew 6:24

41(A) And he sat down opposite(B) the treasury and watched the people(C) putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came and put in two(D) small copper coins, which make a penny.[a] 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you,(E) this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her(F) poverty has put in everything she had, all(G) she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44

10For the love of money is a root of(A) all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. -1 Timothy 6:10

17As for the rich in(A) this present age, charge them(B) not to be haughty, nor(C) to set their hopes on(D) the uncertainty of riches, but on God,(E) who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good,(F) to be rich in good works, to be generous and(G) ready to share, 19thus(H) storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may(I) take hold of(J) that which is truly life. -1 Timothy 6:17-19

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” —Luke 12:15

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. —1 Timothy 6:6-10

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? —James 2:15-16

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” —Luke 21:1-4

there are some excellent statistics about how churches spend their money in the rich christians in an age of hunger book.

1. I see so much internal darkness that I fear God can't save me.
   • Sometimes I see so much darkness in myself that I can't believe God is powerful enough to save me from it.
2. The brokenness in the world is so great that I doubt God is good.
   • I see the brokenness in the world and I lose hope and perspective that God is still good.
3. I trust science more that I trust God.
   • I trust science facts I can test more than I trust the Lord of the universe.
4. I'm more impressed by good special effects than by God.
   • I become desensitized to the awesomeness of God easily, yet I'm impressed by good special effects.
5. I’m Christian but I don’t believe in the miracles of Jesus.
6. My friends wouldn't believe I was miraculously healed.
7. I lose hope in God pretty quickly.

16”For(J) God so loved(K) the world,[d](L) that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not(M) perish but have eternal life. 17For(N) God did not send his Son into the world(O) to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18(P) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not(Q) believed in the name of the only Son of God. -John 3:16-18

29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?(A) Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” -John 20:29

13(A) Be watchful,(B) stand firm in the faith,(C) act like men,(D) be strong. -1 Corinthians 16:13

1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of(A) things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1

6And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God(A) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. -Hebrews 11:6

2(A) Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials(B) of various kinds, 3for you know that(C) the testing of your faith(D) produces steadfastness. -James 1:2-3

14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith(A) but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15(B) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16(C) and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. -James 2:14-17

6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by(A) various trials, 7so that(B) the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes(C) though it is tested by(D) fire—may be found to result in(E) praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:6-7

5For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith(A) with virtue,[a] and virtue(B) with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control(C) with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7and godliness(D) with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection(E) with love. -2 Peter 1:5-7

9Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ,(A) does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. -2 John 1:9

1. I judge Christians more harshly than non-Christians.
   • Because they should know better.
2. I hate hell preachers but I think they’re right.
3. I'm glad that God will judge people for being close-minded.
4. I rank sin.
5. I criticize others to feel better about myself.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” —Matthew 12:36-37

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. —John 5:24

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. —2 Corinthians 5:10

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. —Revelation 20:12-15

6For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes(A) lifting up, 7but it is(B) God who executes judgment, (C) putting down one and lifting up another. Ps 75:6-7

[Jesus does not judge the woman caught in adultery.]

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. John 7:24

1. I'm better than you because I don't act on evil thoughts.
2. I struggle with worshiping myself over God.
3. I think I’m better than you because I’m Christian.
4. I like affirmation, but it's not helping me be humble.
5. I prefer to be self-righteous rather than righteous.

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. John 9:41

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of wok done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:21

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! Proverbs 21:4

The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I think you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. Luke 18:11

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:20-31

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. Luke 14:10

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:4

Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure. —Psalm 101:5 Proverbs 16:5

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. —Proverbs 16:5, 18, 25 Proverbs 18:12

Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. —Proverbs 18:12 Isaiah 14:12-15

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. —Isaiah 14:12-15 James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” —James 4:6 1 Peter 5:5-7

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:5-7

1. I pray for God’s wrath on all of us.
2. I pray for the end of times.
3. I pray for a girlfriend but masturbate to porn every week.
4. By following the rules, I expect God to be a vending machine.
5. I avoid prayer when I know God is convicting me of sin.
6. I think people aren't talking to God when they pray aloud.

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. —Psalm 66:18-19

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. —Jeremiah 33:2-3

6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. —Matthew 6:6-13

23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” —Mark 11:23-25

And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” —Luke 11:2-13

13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. —John 14:13-14

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. —John 15:7

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, —Ephesians 6:11-18

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:6

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; —1 Timothy 2:8

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. —James 4:3

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. —James 5:16

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. —1 John 5:14-15

1. Hypocrisy is easier than following Jesus.
2. I act like Jesus is my biggest secret.
3. Following Jesus doesn't look like Christian culture.

1. I hate on Christian culture more than I love people.
2. I love myself more than I love God.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. —Proverbs 10:12

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. —Luke 6:27-35

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:34-35

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. —Romans 12:9-10

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. —Galatians 5:6

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. —Philippians 1:9-11

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. —1 Peter 4:8

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. —1 John 3:14

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. —1 John 4:7-21

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, —Deuteronomy 10:12

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 22:37-40

21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. —John 14:21-24

13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:1-13

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. —John 15:12-15

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:38-39

3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. —1 John 3:1

1. I’m afraid my friends won’t be in heaven.
2. I’m glad my abuser is going to hell.
3. I don’t believe I’ll go to heaven.
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4. I don’t believe heaven and hell are physical places.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. —Psalm 16:11

14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. —John 14:1-3

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. —Philippians 3:20-21

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. —Daniel 12:2

22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. —Matthew 5:22

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. —Matthew 10:28

43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. —Mark 9:44

19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ —Luke 16:19-26

They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, —2 Thessalonians 1:9

And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. —Revelation 20:9-15

1. When teaching The Word, I doubt what I'm saying.
2. I don’t like the leadership in my church and say nothing about it.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Hebrews 13:7

This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless. Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 1 Timothy 3:1-12

1. I feel guilty about spending money.
2. I feel shame and guilt though I know I'm forgiven.

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide [it] not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: Joshua 7:19-20

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 2 Samuel 12:13

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. 2 Samuel 24:10

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalms 32:5

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. Psalms 38:18

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest. Psalms 51:3-4

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. Jeremiah 2:35

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Matthew 27:3

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

23(A) So if(B) you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

20(A) For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light,(B) lest his works should be exposed. John 3:20

41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind,(A) you would have no guilt;[a] but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains. John 9:41

8(A) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and(B) the truth is not in us. 9(C) If we confess our sins, he is(D) faithful and just to forgive us our sins and(E) to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

1. When people evangelize to me, I pretend I’m not Christian.
2. When I hear evangelism, I think colonialism.
3. I hate evangelical methods or diagrams because they make Jesus seem formulaic and contrived.
   • illustration includes “Four Spiritual Laws” the “Romans Road,”

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. -Ephesians 4:11-13

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16

And ye are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:48

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. John 4:35-38

And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. John 15:27

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Acts 5:20

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. Acts 10:42

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Acts 22:15

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:16-18

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Romans 1:15

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 2 Corinthians 5:14

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:8-9

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ephesians 4:11

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:20

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2

I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

1. I'm a bigger people pleaser than God pleaser.
2. I hide my feelings to not appear weak.
3. I can't separate who I am from what I do.
4. I criticize others to feel better about myself.

9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[c] the forgiveness of sins. -Colossians 1:9-14

12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— -John 1:12

15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. -John 15:15

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. -Romans 8:1-2

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? —Psalm 27:1

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! —Psalm 31:24

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! —Psalm 105:4

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:28-31

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isaiah 41:10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:9-10

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:14-19

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. —Ephesians 6:10

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13

1. Trite, Christian, feel good sayings piss me off.
   • “just have faith” and “God will take care of you”
2. Some days I'm not Christian.
3. I have no idea how to deal with homosexuality.
4. I didn’t feel any different after my baptism.
5. I can't communicate my faith.
6. I'm annoyed by people who are confident that they are going to heaven.
7. Following Jesus is more than going to church.