LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

Words Matter - Colossians 4:6Tim NayPart of Foundations for FollowersMarch 26, 2023Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. —Psalm 19:14How to Determine What to Say:2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. —James 3:28 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:8What do I want to say? What is my motivation to say it? Is it necessary to say? Is it beneficial to say?29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29Who does this need to be said to? Am I the best person to say it? Is this the right time to say it? How will I say it?How to Handle Criticism:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:116 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:6Thank the person for coming to you. Ask them clarifying questionsAsk yourself - “Regardless of who spoke the criticism or how they spoke it, is there any truth in what was said?”11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. —Romans 14:11-12Takeaway: I will give an account to God for everything I say, therefore, to careful.

Biblical ParentingDeuteronomy 6:4-9Mike MaglishPart of Foundations for FollowersMarch 19, 202322 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” —Exodus 4:22-23God is our Father5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows  is God in his holy habitation. —Psalm 68:5“I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people… and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” —2 Corinthians 6:16b, 18The OT refers to God as Father 13 times  Jesus referred to God as His Father over 150 times and spoke of God as being OUR father 30 times.4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. —Deuteronomy 6:4-9Biblical Parenting is intentionally teaching our kids about God20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” —Joshua 4:20-244 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4Paideia - the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body.. —Hebrews 12:5-1116 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. —2 Timothy 3:16-17Whoever spares the rod hates his son,  but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him —Proverbs 13:2418 Discipline your son, for there is hope;  do not set your heart on putting him to death. —Proverbs 19:1812 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,  as a father the son in whom he delights. —Proverbs 3:12Discipline is necessary to Godly parentingHypocrisy is the number 1 reason kids leave their faithTakeaway: Always Teach and Model Christ holistically. Never __STOP!

Part of Foundations for FollowersMarch 12, 202315 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. —Genesis 2:15Our First Marriage is to GodFor as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. —Isaiah 62:5The Book of Hosea illustrates God’s marriage to the Israelite People (Us)9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God —Revelation 21:9-10To the Single… We are never truly singleEmbrace your marriage with GodMarry someone who puts God First18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” —Genesis 2:1824 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. —Genesis 2:2422 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 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. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. —Ephesians 5:22-2425 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 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. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.—Ephesians 5:25-33To The Married…Your spouse doesn’t complete youEmbrace your marriage with GodMarriage helps us understand God’s Love for us18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. —Colossians 3:18-191 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. —1 Peter 3:1-7Takeaway: Marriage is a relationship - first with God - then with our spouse.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Do Not Grow Weary 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. —Hebrews 12:1-5Challenge from Hebrews 12: Lay aside of what burdens us.8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. —Matthew 18:8-9Being proactive against sin in our lives.Keeping our eyes focused on JesusReminds us our faith is from JesusOur faith is brought to maturity by JesusReminds us our persecution isn’t that bad–endureCalls us children of GodSpiritual Disciplines We Can Practice:Create times of Solitude22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, —Matthew 14:22-23But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. —Luke 5:16Practice Fasting21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” —Ezra 8:21-2316 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. —Matthew 6:16Dedicate time to Prayer41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41Spend time Reading/Study/Listening to the Bible8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. —Joshua 1:8Memorize ScriptureI have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. —Psalm 119:11Write in a JournalListen/sing songs about and to GodAnd now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. —Psalm 27:6Commit to meeting together with other Christians __regularly What spiritual discipline will you practice this week? What specific day(s) will you do this? Who will you tell about your plans?

Basic Bible Overview1 Peter 1:20-21Tim NayPart of Foundations for FollowersFebruary 26, 2023B.I.B.L.E. Basic. Instructions. Before.Leaving. Earth.The Bible is divided into two parts: Old and New Testaments.The Old Testament is mainly about the relationship God has with the nation of Israel and the promise of the Messiah being born through the lineage of the Jewish people.3 Kinds of Books in the Old Testament;  Historical Poetical PropheticalThere are 400 years of ‘silence’ between the Testaments.Tips to understanding the Bible:-Books & letters are not in chronological order -Names of regions and bodies of water change -Canaan/Israel/Palestine = same general areas -Hebrews, Israelites, & Jews are the same people group -Israel & Jacob = sometimes used interchangeably -Israel can also refer to just 10 of the tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom -The Old Testament really ends at the crucifixion of Jesus13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. —Colossians 2:13-14Nine Eras of Old TestamentThe New Testament is about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the beginning of the church and Jesus’ disciples continuing to fulfill the Great Commission.3 Kinds of Writings in the New Testament; Historical Books Pauline Letters General LetteresThe Bible is all about God redeeming mankind to Himself through Jesus.20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. —1 Peter 1:20-21

Biblical WorldviewMike MaglishPart of Foundations for FollowersFebruary 19, 2023Worldview is the goggles by which we perceive the world.Four Main Parts To Worldview 1) How did we get here?In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. —Genesis 1:1-5God created the heavens and the earth.26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. —Genesis 1:2627 So God created man in his own image,  in the image of God he created him;  male and female he created them. —Genesis 1:27God Created man IN HIS IMAGE —Genesis 1:28-30God gave us PURPOSE and STEWARDSHIP31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. —Genesis 1:31God DECLARED it was GOODThe Garden was what God INTENDED for CREATIONFour Main Parts To Worldview 1) How did we get here? 2) What went wrong?ANSWER: The Fall—Genesis 3:8-10Broken Relationship** WITH GOD**11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” —Genesis 3:11-12Broken Relationship with EACH OTHER —Genesis 3:17-19Broken Relationship with OURSELVES and WITH CREATIONSIN and DEATH became our REALITYFour Main Parts To Worldview 1) How did we get here? 2) What went wrong? 3) How does it get fixed?ANSWER: redemptionNoah Genesis 6:9-14 (Destruction Through Flood) Genesis 9:1-9 (God Saves a Remnant - Noah’s Ark)Abraham - Isaac - Jacob Genesis 12:1-4 Promise of LAND, NATION, BLESSING  God Reveals Himself through COVENANT Moses  Exodus 3:1-10  God Reveals Himself to Moses/Israelites  God Gives LAW and PRESENCE (Pillar of Fire/Smoke) David  2 Samuel 7:10-16  God Deepens His relationship with His People War and Strife will be taken awayProphets Isaiah 9:6-7  The Promise of Christ’s Dominion  His Presence would be with everyone New Covenant Fulfilled  John 3:16 JESUS REDEEMS what is brokenFour Main Parts To Worldview 1) How did we get here? 2) What went wrong? 3) How does this get fixed?  4) What will ultimately happen?ANSWER: RESTORATIONRevelation 21:1-6Eden Fully Restored Death/Sin is defeated (The Fall Corrected) God’s Presence is FULLY with His PeopleTakeaway: A Biblical worldview Informs how we perceive everything

Biblical Interpretation For Everyday Christians2 Timothy 2:15Mike MaglishPart of Foundations for FollowersFebruary 12, 2023“Bible” - Greek work τὰ βιβλία which means “THE BOOKS”(Originally Scroll)HURDLES: 66 different books MULTIPLE Genres of Scripture 2,000-3,000 year gap Written in 3 languages Cultural differences  Belief differencesWorldview is the goggles by which we perceive the world.Eisegesis - The interpretation of a text (the Bible) by reading into it one’s own ideasDo your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. —2 Timothy 2:15ὀρθοτομέω (orthotomeō) - To cut straight, teach correctly12 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. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13“Understanding the Bible properly requires that we clear our minds of all ideas, opinions, and systems of our own day and attempt to put ourselves into the times and surrounding of the Apostles and Prophets who wrote.” —John F JohnsonContext is EverythingKnow what it MEANTOriginal author Original audience Original messageTIPS Accept the clear and sensible meaning What’s your Next Step?1.Read the Bible daily 2.Utilize Bible Study Tools 3.Join A Small Group/Bible Study 4.Leave Room for GrowthTakeaway: We rightly divide Scripture so Scripture can rightly divide us.

Why You Can Trust the BibleHebrews 11:1Tim NayPart of Foundations for FollowersFebruary 5, 202315 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, —1 Peter 3:151 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. —Hebrews 11:1 & 6 KJVWhat the Bible says about Itself:-It is truth17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. —John 17:17-It is from God.16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, —2 Timothy 3:16-It does not change.17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. —James 1:17-18-It endures forever.35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. —Matthew 24:35-It has instruction for life.7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; —Psalm 19:7What sources do you believe give relieable truth?Evidence the Bible Can Be Trusted:1.Evidence of Continuity 2.Evidence of Archaeology 3.Evidence of Science 4.Evidence of Changed LivesTakeaway: No amount of evidence is proof the Bible is true. Do you have enough evidence to choose to believe it is?

The Holy SpiritTim NayPart of Foundations for FollowersJanuary 29, 2023Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. —John 16:7And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. —Ephesians 2:1-31.The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteoutness and judgement.And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. —John 16:8-112.The Holy Spirit empowers believers.If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. —Romans 8:11-Empowers believers with gifts.7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. —1 Corinthians 12:7All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. —1 Corinthians 12:11-Empowers believers with wisdom.…For the Spirit searches everything even the depths of God. —1 Corinthians 2:10-Empowers believers with strength.that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:16-193.The Holy Spirit reminds believers of our position in Christ and future inheritance in Heaven.Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:1In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:13-14INTERACTING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT-Test the Spirit1 John 4:1-3; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:17-Walk in Step with the SpiritBut I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. —Galatians 5:16-17-Continue to be Filled with the SpiritTherefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. —Ephesians 5:17-1816 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-22Takeaway: What is the Holy Spirit encouraging you to do or not do, say or not say, this week?

Part of Foundations for FollowersJanuary 22, 2023PASCALS WAGERIn Christ or in the World?1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. —Ephesians 2:1-3What was it like when you were living in sin? I was my own moral guide Alone Hopeless I pursued my own selfish pleasure I was not committed I was exhausted/tired I was in bondage to sin (could not stop) I was full of excuses4 BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alivetogether with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:4-10Salvation is from God20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:2023The death of Jesus covers our sin7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, —Ephesians 1:74 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father —Galatians 1:4Salvation gives us purpose10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:10What’s it like now that you’re saved? I don’t have worry I have an anchor I experience peace I can trust I receive God’s Love I have an identity I walk in humility I know I’m forgiven I have freedom37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. —Acts 2:37-3913 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory —Ephesians 1:13-14Takeaway: Let God Save You From Your Sin

Part of 2023 Q1 FinancesJanuary 15, 2023PROSPERITY GOSPEL38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” —Luke 6:389 Honor the Lord with your wealth  and with the firstfruits of all your produce;  10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,  and your vats will be bursting with wine. —Proverbs 3:9-108 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. —Malachi 3:8-1021 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 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 21:1-4Leads to a belief God wants us to be healthy and wealthyPOVERTY GOSPEL20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:  “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. —Luke 6:20-2121 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” —Matthew 19:21Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. —2 Corinthians 6:2-10“How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” —Luke 18:24-2521 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 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 21:1-4Leads to a belief money is evilCONSIDER THIS: What we believe about God informs what we allow money to do with usWe need to seek the whole counsel of God’s Word11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,  but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. —Proverbs 13:1123 In all toil there is profit,  but mere talk tends only to poverty. —Proverbs 14:237 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;  he brings low and he exalts. —1 Samuel 2:7Money is neither good nor evilTakeaway: Put money in its rightful place - keep Jesus number ONE

Contentment1 Timothy 6:6Tim NayPart of 2023 Q1 FinancesJanuary 8, 20233 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound[a] words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. —1 Timothy 6:3-51.Being content about finances keeps people away from unhealthy behaviors.6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 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. 10 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 6:6-1010 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:10-132.Contentment comes from knowing God is the provider, not self.5 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 13:53.Contentment comes from knowing money is a tool to accomplish God’s will.8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:84.Contentment comes from letting go of what I think I must haveTakeaway: Learn what it means to be content - it’ll save you a lot of grief.

Financial PlanningProverbs 21:5; Luke 14:28-31Tim NayJanuary 1, 2023The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. —Proverbs 21:528 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? —Luke 14:28-31Plan to give the first fruits to the Lord.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21Plan to spend less than you earn - make a budgetPlan for unforseen circumstances33 Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” —Genesis 41:33-36Takeaway: Come up with a plan

In the WaitingTim Nay & Mike MaglishPart of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmasDecember 24, 2022Merry Christmas from the LifeSpring Staff!

On the BattlefieldMatthew 2:1-18Tim NayPart of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmasDecember 18, 2022Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” —Matthew 2:1-8Herod thought his battle was with Jesus, but it was actually with himself.For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. —Matthew 16:259 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Joseph and Mary’s battle was fought by God.12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” —Matthew 2:9-1516 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” —Matthew 2:16-18Is your current battle with someone else, or is it within you?Takeaway: God wants to be invited into your battle, so pray, pause, and praise.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15-16

Part of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmasDecember 11, 20222 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. —Luke 2:1-7And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. —Luke 2:18-19“There is no greater mountaintop experience in my life than giving birth to my children. I remember everything about the births of my children. Every little detail. I know there was pain involved, I just don’t remember the pain because the joy of the moment far outweighed the pain. There is no greater mountaintop experience than giving birth to your children.” - LifeSpringer On The Mountaintop1) We should treasure up those experiences2) Remember where our treasure is11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 14:10-1117 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. —1 Titus 6:17-19When pride comes, then comes disgrace,  but with the humble is wisdom. —Proverbs 11:218 Pride goes before destruction,  and a haughty spirit before a fall. —Proverbs 16:1816 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. —Romans 12:1628 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. —1 Corinthians 1:28-299 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. —James 1:9-11On The Mountaintop1) We should treasure up those experiences 2) Remember where our treasure is 3) There’s nowhere to go but downTakeaway: Don’t lose slight of what’s important when things are good

Part of 2022 Q4 God With UsChristmasDecember 4, 2022God allows us to be in the valleys of unwanted emotions.18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” —Matthew 1:18-23A word from God can bring hope to our valleys.25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. —Proverbs 12:25 ESV25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. —Proverbs 12:25 NKJV11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? —Psalm 42:11a4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.The Lord Speaks to Elijah 9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” —1 Kings 19:4-91 I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; 2 he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3 surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long.4 He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones; 5 he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; 6 he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. —Lamentations 3:1-6“Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? —Job 3:1116 Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light? —Job 3:1615 Terrors are turned upon me; my honor is pursued as by the wind, and my prosperity has passed away like a cloud.16 “And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. 17 The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest. —Job 30:15-17Trust God in the valleys, knowing He’s the God of the hills as well.Takeaway - Our valleys are low points between two hills4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23:45 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning. —Psalm 30:5

Part of 2022 Q3 Go & Tell Study in JohnNovember 27, 2022WHY did John write this book?30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. —John 20:30-31So we may believe and have life in His name.11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. —John 20:11-18When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go fromSadness to Joy (Mary Magdalene)24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”  26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. —John 20:24-29When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go fromSADNESS to JOY (Mary Magdalene) Doubting to Confident (Thomas)When we BELIEVE in the Resurrection of Jesus we go from  SADNESS to JOY (Mary Magdalene) DOUBTING to CONFIDENT (Thomas) Disqualified to Reinstated (Peter)Takeaway: Life is found in the resurrection of Jesus

Spiritual Warfare John 18:1-11 Tim NayWhen Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant[c] and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” —John 18:1-11We’ve got to be aware of the spiritual battle.Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and lad hands on Jesus and seized him.’ —Matthew 26:50Summary of Matthew 26:36-46For 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. 13 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. —Ephesians 6:12-13When we are spiritually aware we spiritually prepare.For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ —2 Corinthians 10:3-5When we spiritually prepare we learn to recognize temptation.Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. —James 1:13-15When we spiritually prepare we preplan a battle plan.Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:12-13TAKE AWAY: How are you currently preparing for (future) spiritual warfare?

Part of 2022 Q3 Go & TellStudy in JohnNovember 13, 202245 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. —Luke 6:45Jesus’ prayer reveals what’s important to him.1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. —John 17:1-51) Important we glorify God.2) Important we remain in, but not of, the world.13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. —John 17:13-193) Important we know we are important to God.20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, —John 17:204) Important we stay unified in the truth.21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” —John 17:21-26Our prayers reveal what is important to us.9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:9-14