The Lord's Supper

It's an ordinance for the church (Jesus prescribed two practices for the church: baptism and the Lord's Supper). Lk 22:19-20, 1 Cor 11:17-30
- The Lord's Supper calls us to unity. 1 Cor 10:14-17, 11:17-22. There should be no cliques in our church. We are all in this together.
- The Lord's Supper reminds us of Jesus' death. 1 Cor 11:24-25. How can we be divided if we are focused on what Jesus did for us on the cross?
- The Lord's Supper is a proclamation of Jesus' death.  1 Cor 11:26. He died for us, to cover our sins.
- The Lord's Supper is a time of anticipation. 1 Cor 11:26. He's coming back!
- The Lord's Supper provides an opportunity for self examination. 1 Cor 11:28-31.

Toxic: Toxic Finances

Toxic perspectives on finances:
- the more you make, the happier you will be.
- I've got to have it now. (debt: Prov 22:7, Mt 6:24)
- It's my money, and I'll spend it the way I want. Mal 3:6-10
- plant a seed, and God will give you everything you've ever wanted. Two trains of thought:
1. Prosperity gospel: God wants you to be blessed and have everything
2. Minimalist theology: you should not have much of anything

Mk 10:17-31 The rich young ruler asked the right question to the right person, and got the right answer, but went away sad.
- Money is a spiritual issue. It can stand between us and Jesus.
- We need to trust in Jesus and not our wealth/stuff. Do I love my stuff more than I love Jesus?
- The proper use of money is not for salvation, but a beautiful result of salvation. We should be generous, cheerful, sacrificial givers. 2Cor 9:6-8, 2Cor 8:2
- Make a plan for your finances: give, save, spend

Buried Treasure by Will Good

Buried Treasure - the eminent return of Jesus
What do I think of when I hear "the eminent return of Jesus" - heaven
God has given us great hope of heaven, but we focus on tiny problems. Are we joyfully expecting the return of Jesus? Ro 8:18-25
Three reasons we need to find the treasure:
1. Reward - there will be a reward for us in heaven. Heb 11:26, Mt 19:27-30  What have I sacrificed for Jesus? Mt 10, 24 Will part of my heavenly reward be to be responsible for things in heaven?
2. Fear - we have so many fears. 2 Pet 2, 3:10-14, Mt 24:27, 36-38 The enemy has stolen our proper perspective.
3. Loss - tragic losses: Col 3:1-2, we settle for less than the truth; missing out on things that we haven't yet experienced: but things will be made new in heaven, what if nothing is lost but everything is made new?

Toxic: Toxic Religions

Religion - an organized system of rules used to worship God or gods.
I don't have to go to church to meet some religious demands, I get to go to church to worship Jesus my Savior.
Gal 1:6-8
- Religion focuses on the external instead of the internal. Mt 23:25-28
- Religion promotes spiritual pride. Lk 18:9-14 Jesus's harshest words were towards the "religious" people. Lk 14:1-24
- There will be a banquet.
- Not everyone will be at the banquet.
- The least likely people will be at the banquet.
- You are invited to the banquet.

Toxic: Toxic Relationships

We can surround ourselves with life-giving or life-draining people.
- 5 types of toxic people:
1. The Critic: always finds the worst in situations and people. Ex 16:2-3
2. Mr. Negative: never have anything positive to say.
3. The Controller: control freak, always telling you what you should do
4. EGR (extra grace required): needy, drain you out
5. The Tempter: always tempting you to do something bad
- We need to be aware of these people, and evaluate ourselves too
- Choose your friends carefully. They will affect your life. 1 Cor 5:33, Prov 12:26, 13:20. You should be involved with your church family. Your closest friends should be believers, because the people who are the closest to you will be your greatest spiritual asset, or your worse curse.
- You may need to end some relationships. 2 Cor 6:14, Gen 39 - Joseph and Potipher's wife.
-A friend is someone who loves, is willing to have deep conversations, and is loyal. Prov 17:17, 27:9
Jesus is the ultimate friend. Prov 18:24, Jn 15:13.

Storms By Andy Erickson

Dealing with storms
As Christians, how do we deal with storms in our lives?
Ps 13:1-2, Mk 4
Our faith needs to be grounded in the kingdom of God, and growing strong. Even if our faith is very small, it can grow huge.
Mk 4:35-41 The disciples found themselves in a storm and instead of having faith, they questioned Jesus. They were more focused on the storm than on the savior. Jesus cared about the storms in their lives. Sometimes he takes the storms away, sometimes he just stays with us through the storm.
Ex 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Ps 121:1-2
Ps 13:5 trust in his unfailing love

Toxic: Toxic Words

-The tongue is powerful.
Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power to bring life or death. Jas 3:2-5, 9-10 If you find someone who can control their tongue, they can control their bodies as well. You can tell what is in someone's heart by what they say.
- The tongue speaks words of life and death.
Words of death - Gossip: Prov 16:28, 26:20-22, gossip destroys. Harsh and angry words: Eph 4:29. Lying: Prov 12:17,19, Prov 16:13.
Words of life - Should be nourishing, encouraging, and helpful: Prov 10:11,21,24.
- How we can speak words of life:
1. Talk less, listen more, ask questions. Prov 17:27
2. Think before you speak.
3. Speak gently. Prov 15:1.
All of this comes from the Lord, there's no way we can do it in our own strength. Luke 6:45.