2. Reason for not preaching: a)disciplined by the elders for crying too much b)disciplined by the elders for yelling too much c)socialist philosophy of preaching distribution d)on vacation ALL summer e)planting a different church f)something seriously wrong g)Other

3. 3 Gospel Commitments 1.Gospel Truth - We are committed to the truth of scripture, and believe its central message is the Gospel; the message of God’s gracious work to redeem sinners. 2.Gospel Community - We are committed to knowing, loving and serving one another as brothers and sisters united in Christ. 3.Gospel Mission - Individually and corporately, we are committed to declaring and demonstrating the Gospel to our communities, our cities and the nations.

4. Gospel Truth 1.Nature of Gospel Truth – Psalm 19 2.Object of Gospel Truth – Luke 24 3.Experiencing Gospel Truth – Acts 2

5. Acts 2:42 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Devoted - προσκαρτερέω; proskartereō: to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty.

6. Acts 2:43-47 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

7. 3 Prerequisites of Devotion 1.Knowledge – I understand 2.Assent – I agree 3.Conviction – I feel I should act What is missing? FAITH

8. John 15:7-11 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

9. Getting a Grip on the Word 1.Hear – Romans 10:17 2.Read – Revelation 1:3 3.Study – Acts 17:11 4.Memorize – Psalm 119:9,11 5.Meditate – Psalm 1:2,3

10. Praying the Word Psalm 119:9–10 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

11. Praying the Word Psalm 119:30–32 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies, O L ORD ; let me not be put to shame! 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

12. What now? 1.Make a commitment 2.Tell someone 3.Be determined 4.Don’t go it alone

13. Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 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. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.