We need to expect more from God.
James 4:2; Psalm 81:10
We are encouraged to pray greater prayers than we do (Eph. 3:20–21).
We need to pray for healing and relief from affliction.
God does answer these petitions (1 Cor. 1:8–11; Phil. 2:25–27).
When God answers prayer is it a miracle? 
No.
We need to pray for healing and relief from affliction.
Why is there no relief when I pray?
God is not most concerned with our health and happiness.
God can be glorified in your illness.
Sometimes the world needs to see us suffer as Christians.
We need to pray for salvation of the lost.
Knock, Seek, and Ask (Matt. 7:7–8).
God answers the prayers of those who are seeking the truth (Acts 9; 10:4).
We need to pray for salvation of the lost.
Remember:
God does not answer for those who are rebellious.
God cannot save people in any other way than what has been provided. 
We need to pray for more workers.
We need to pray for those who we do save.


 

 Therefore…
 Steadfast
Immoveable 
Always, Abounding, God’s work 
Always: Consistant, repetitive action 
Abounding: Overflow 
The work of the Lord 
Loving God and men 
Fulfilling the gospel 
Ministering to the needy 
Teaching the unwise 
Giving to brothers and sisters 
We are a family 
The only way that this is possible 
We are never alone 
We are always supported 
We must give back 
Your labor is not in vain 
There is a reward 
God loves 
God is good 
God has won for us 

 

 
Why is Smoking a Sin?

Why is Smoking a Sin?
God values human life!
I Samuel 26:23–25
Psalm 22;35;72;116
You Body is property of God
I Corinthians 16:13,18
Why is Smoking a Sin?
Smoking violates God’s care for human life!
Smoking violates your responsibility to your body
Principles
A principle is bigger than a rule
A principle is a guide
God’s Principles
Basic principles are stepping stones for maturity
Hebrews 5:12
“It takes more manhood to abide by thought out principles than blind reflex.”
Alex Karras
God’s Principles
Weak men live by man’s principles
Strong men live by God’s principles
“Gray areas”
Social Drinking
Smoking
Modern Dancing
Clothing/Modesty
Relationships
ETC
What we CAN do
Why can we go to heaven?
Why does God love us?

Why do we love God?
Romans 8:37–39
NOTHING SEPARATES US FROM GOD’S LOVE!




 

 Esther 4:13–14

How to Raise an Esther

Be a leader yourself.
Don’t just stand around!
Esther 2:7; 3:2–6; 4:1–4
As a father, you can stand tall or you can stand around.
Be a spiritual submarine under the surface of your child’s life.
Esther 2:10–11, 19–23
While we cannot be with our children every hour of the day, we should be an influence in their life continually.
Train your children to lead.
Esther 4:5–17
Three things: 
Expect. 
Encourage.
Support.
Remember: Leadership is always rewarded. 
Esther 8:1–2; 9:3–4; 10:1–3
The reward extends to both fathers and children.

 

 Philippians 3:15

Says Who

God is Our Standard
“Be holy as I am holy.” (Lev. 18:1)
God is the creator of all things.
God is the giver of all things.
God is the owner of all things.
How God communicated His will
God made His will known in Christ.
God made His will known through the apostles.
False Standards
We are not our own standard.
Other people are not our standard.
Religious leaders are not our standard.

 

 Ephesians 4:32–5:2

How to Find Love and Long-Lasting Relationships
Hollywood’s formula for love and losing relationships.
Find the right person.
Fall in love.
Man’s Way vs. God’s Way
Hollywood’s formula for love and losing relationships.
Find the right person.
Fall in love.
Fix your hopes and dreams on this person for your fulfillment.
If failure occurs, repeat steps 1, 2, and 3. 
God’s formula for love and lasting relationships.
Be the right person.
Walk in love.
Fix your hopes and dreams on God. Seek to please Him.
If failure occurs, repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.


 

 Philippians 3:4–7

Perspective
Christ’s “secret”
Matthew 3:15
Fulfill righteousness.
Matthew 4:3–10
Respect God. Live by God’s word. Worship God.
Matthew 4:17 
Make the right decision: Repent.
Righteousness in Christ
Paul said: “I Count EVERYTHING as loss” (Phil. 3:4–7).
Paul knew that people are GROWTH.
Paul saw life as win/win.
Respect for God, His word, and Worshipping God
Our Relationship with God’s word gives us a Christ-like perspective.
The more we learn about God, the more we become like God.
When we apply what we learn about God to our lifestyles, then we are true worshippers of God.
Repenting is making the right decision
To live is Christ; to die is gain.
Helpful Tools
Be positive by considering Christ.
Be grateful by considering Christ.
Be pure in heart by considering Christ.
Be content by considering Christ.