8/2/2026

Psalm 145:8-9, 15-22

God is worthy of our trust because...

1. His mercy never changes (vs. 8-9)

2. Every good gift comes from His hand (vs. 15-17)

3. He upholds His people (vs. 14)

4. He is near to His people (vs. 18-20)

5. He alone is worthy of our praise (vs. 21-22)

“Small Faith, Big God.”

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

1. God uses small faith (vs. 31-32)

2. Small faith grows slowly (vs. 33)

3. Small faith results in Big Steps (vs. 44-46)

4. Small faith makes right choices (vs. 47-50)

5. Small faith finds the true treasure (vs. 51-52)

The Call of the Deacon

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7, 1Tim 3:8-13 & Mark 10:42-45

Your Heart and God's Word

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

1. A hardened heart (4, 19)

2. A shallow heart (5-6, 20-21)

3. A divided heart (7, 22)

4. A Godly heart (8, 23)

How to have a tender heart?

1. Invite...

2. Remove...

3. Stay...

4. Respond...

5. Ask...

Living Free

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

- Respond by Hearing Christ

- Respond in Humility to Christ

- Respond by Heeding Christ

Free Indeed

Romans 6:12:23

1. Sin enslaves us (vs. 12)

2. Sin doesn't want to let us go (vs. 15)

3. We must serve somebody (vs. 16)

4. The Gospel brings freedom (vs. 16-17)

Closing challenge: 

Live free everyday (vs. 19)

RETURN

Scripture: Hosea 5:15 - 6:6

1. Return begins with Recognition - Hosea 5:15

2. Return with Confidence - Hosea 6:1

3. Return expecting New Life - Hosea 6:2

4. Return with Pursuit and Passion - Hosea 6:3

Why should we return? 

1. Return because God is merciful

2. Return because God heals

3. Return because God revives

4. Return because God desires relationship.

 Scripture: John 15:13, Romans 13:1-4, Galatians 6:2, Isaiah 6:8, Psalm 46:1

1. God honors those who serve (John 15:13, Mark 10:45)

2. God helps those who bear burdens (Galatians 6:2)

3. God sustains selfless servants (Psalm 46:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Closing - Ways to pray for 1st responders. Pray for their...

1. Protection

2. Families

3. Wisdom

4. Mental and Emotional Strength

5. Faith

Promises of Jesus: Untroubled Hearts and Unshakable Hope

Scripture: John 14:1-14

The promise of...

1. ...peace in a troubled world

2. ...a prepared place

3. ...the only way

4. ...knowing the Father

5. ...greater works

6. ...answered prayer 

Unshakeable promises:

• A peace that steadies troubled hearts
• A place prepared in heaven
• A path through Jesus alone
• A personal knowledge of God
• A purpose in continuing Christ’s work
• A power through prayer 

Suffering that Honors God

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-25

1. Suffering for righteousness

2. Suffering for calling

3. Suffering for Christ

4. Suffering under the Shepherd's care 

 “Response to the Resurrection”

1. Calling on the Lord (vv. 1–3)

2. Grateful Reflection (vv. 10–12)

3. Public Worship and Commitment (vv. 13–16)

4. Lifelong Thanksgiving and Trust (vv. 15–17)

Closing Challenge: Is my life truly a response to the resurrection?

It was Impossible

Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-32

It was impossible for...

1. God's plan to fail (vs. 22-23)

2. Death to hold Jesus (vs. 24-27)

3. Scripture to be broken (vs. 25-31)

4. Witnesses to stay silent (vs. 32)

Closing: It is impossible to remain neutral about Jesus.