Coming to God isn't Complicated

God wants us to come to Him.

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.

- Mark 10:1

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

- Revelation 3:20

We complicate things.

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

- Mark 9:33-34

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

- Mark 10:13

God wants us to approach Him like children.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

- Mark 10:14-15

35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

- Mark 9:35-37

How do we practically pray like children?

• Children are honest about their feelings.

• Children play.

• Children blurt things out.

• Children are messy.

Be a Blessing

“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

- Jeremiah 29:4-7 NIV

God’s people are commanded to work towards the good of others in their community.

“let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:16 NIV

Being a Blessing demonstrates God’s love and points people to Jesus.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

- James 2:14-18 NIV

“…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

- Philippians 1:27 NIV

Being a blessing opens doors for relationships to be built.

“…for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”

- 2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV

Relationships open the door for the Gospel to be preached. 

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
- Mark 16:15 ESV

Being a blessing open’s the door for God’s provision.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

- Philippians 4:19 ESV

A Touch of Heaven

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. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

- Matthew 6:9-15

God wants us to understand His Kingdom.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

- Matthew 6:33

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9

God wants us to experience His Kingdom.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

- Matthew 16:9

God wants to advance his kingdom on earth through you.

“…on earth as it is in heaven”

- Matthew 6:10

1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

- Luke 9:1-2

7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. 9 You received without paying; give without pay.

- Matthew 10:7-9

Our Father

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘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 today 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 the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

- Matthew 6:9-15

We can pray for extraordinary things based on our relationship with God “our Father.”

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

- John1:12

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.’”

- John 20:17

We can pray for extraordinary things because our father “in heaven” operates in a totally different realm.

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool;

- Isaiah 66:1

We can pray for extraordinary things as we “hallow” God’s name because he’s in a class all by himself.

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of  holiness.

- Psalm 29:1-2

Mental Illness and the Christian

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 

- Galatians 6:1-7

With mental illness, Christians must understand that:

The battle must be waged on three fronts… mental, physical, and spiritual.

23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Every Christian struggles with some form of the “Big 3.”

• Anxiety: divided with distracting worries and outcomes.

• Depression: weighed down with anxiety and discouragement.

• Control (OCD): grabbing for control due to anxiety and fear.

2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

- Galatians 6:2

God has given us a strategy for victory (mental wellness)!

• Knowing the truth.

• Believing the truth.

• Speaking the truth.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

- Galatians 4:6-8

Fixing Frustration

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

- Proverbs 4:23

We will find ourselves frustrated. We will also find lots of different reasons to be frustrated.

1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her.

- 1 Samuel 1:1-7

Our frustration can build until we reach a breaking point.

...Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.

- 1 Samuel 1:7

10 She was deeply distressed…

- 1 Samuel 1:10

God invites us to “pour out our souls” to Him.

10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.

- 1 Samuel 1:10

15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”

- 1 Samuel 1:15-16

We can choose to put our faith in God.

17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

- 1 Samuel 1:17-18

Find God’s favor through our frustration.

19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

- 1 Samuel 1:19-20

Living in the Balance

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

- Matthew 22:34-40

Know the route and the rules of the road - Jesus first.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

- Matthew 22:37

Make room for yourself.

39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

- Matthew 22:39

Make room for others.

Stay full.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 

- Philippians 4:8-9 

Leave room for disruptions.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

- Ephesians 4:1-3

Follow Jesus’ lead.

52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.

- Luke 2:52

The Yoke’s on You - Rest for your Soul

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

- Proverbs 4:23

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

Four verbs: come, take, learn, find.

Accept Jesus’ invitation.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

- Matthew 11:28

Submit to Jesus’ authority and follow His ways.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart…

- Matthew 11:29

Arrive at the rest you’ve been longing for.

and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:30

Empowered Living

“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

‭‭- Acts‬ ‭1:4-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Power to live holy for Him.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.””

‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭3:11-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Power to be a witness for Him.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

- Acts 1:8 ESV

Power to go and make disciples for Him.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭ESV

How Do We Do It?

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

- Genesis 3:6-8

God came to us.

9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

- Genesis 3:9

14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

- Genesis 3:14

We go to others.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

- Acts 1:8

But we aren’t told how to go to others.

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?...”

- Acts 1:9-11

This is how we do it: Campus Ministry and Church Planting.

1. Campus Ministry

2. Church Planting