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Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 COST A Faith Worth Living – Part 3 4/12/25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 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? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 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? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25–33 ESV Come ἔρχομαι (erchomai) - state of having arrived (metaphorical spiritual arrival) Hate μισέω (miseó) - to esteem less, love less (indicative of a strong emotional response) Carry βαστάζω (bastazó) - often used to describe the act of bearing one another's burdens, as well as the endurance of trials and responsibilities Cross σταυρός (stauros) The term can also metaphorically represent the suffering, sacrifice, and discipleship required of believers, as seen in passages where Jesus calls His followers to "take up their cross." Cost Will God desire’s complete surrender Comfort/Desires Personal Choice/Autonomy God commands us to pause and “count the cost” - Think through the commitment your making - Own your decision - Be willing to obey in perpetuity Jesus Modeled This Behavior - Emptied himself of what it was to be God - Surrendered His Will for His Father’s - Remained obedient to the point of death on a cross We must daily consider the cost, be willing to pay the price, and press forward until we too can say, “it is finished”!

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 SERVING LIKE JESUS A Faith Worth Living – Part 2 4/6/2025 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 ESV Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Service When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.' John 13:12-17 ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 ESV Service as an Outflow of Faith What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17 ESV 1. Faith is the Foundation of Salvation 2. Genuine Faith Produces Works 3. Faith Without Works is Useless And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:40 ESV For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 ESV Practical Ways to Serve - In the Church Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20 ESV - In the Community So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 ESV - In Daily Life Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Proverbs 3:27 ESV Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV Becoming a Servant Like Jesus 1. Adopt a Servant’s Heart 2. Identify Where You Can Serve Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6-8 ESV 3. Serve with the Right Motives Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them. Matthew 6:1-4 ESV 4. Make Sacrificial Service a Lifestyle Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 ESV 5. Ask God to Give You a Willing Spirit Here am I! Send me. Isaiah 6:8 ESV Talk About It 1. How does serving others reflect Jesus' love? 2. Where can you serve this week in a meaningful way? 3. What holds you back from serving? 4. Who in your life needs to see Jesus through your service? 5. What specific action will you take to serve someone this week?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 WHY BELIEVE? DEFENDING THE FAITH A Faith Worth Living - Part 1 3/30/2025 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 3:15 ESV "defense" is apologia (ἀπολογία): a reasoned argument or justification. KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Matthew 16:15-16 ESV Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ John 14:6 ESV EVIDENCE FOR CHRISTIANITY 1. Historical Evidence - Extra-Biblical Sources - The Empty Tomb - Early Christian Creeds 2. Eyewitness Testimony For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV 3. Transformed Lives 4. Natural Revelation For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV HOW TO DEFEND YOUR FAITH 1. Be Ready to Answer, Not Argue All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching. for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV 2. Be Gentle and Respectful “...yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV Winning the person is more important than winning the argument. 3. Be Authentic - Share your own testimony of Christ’s work in your life. 4. Equip Yourself for Conversations 5. Pray for Opportunities to Share Talk About It 1. What are the biggest questions you (or others) have about Christianity? 2. How confident are you in explaining why you believe in Jesus? 3. When was the last time you shared your faith? How did it go? 4. How can you improve your knowledge of Scripture to defend your faith? 5. Who in your life is seeking answers? How can you lovingly engage with them?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 THE ROMAN ROAD – THE PATH TO SALVATION Living The Gospel Everyday – Part 11 3/23/2025 1. Our Need for Salvation – We Are All Sinners For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 ESV But sin carries a consequence—we are condemned without God’s grace. 2. The Consequence of Sin – Death For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV How does God provide salvation? Through Jesus Christ! 3. God's Provision – Jesus Died for Us But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NIV So, how do we respond to Christ’s sacrifice? 4. The Call to Respond – Faith, Confession, Repentance, and Baptism That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV 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. Acts 2:38 ESV True faith isn’t just saying, “I believe in Jesus.” It is turning away from sin and surrendering to God. Repentance leads us to baptism, where we die to sin and are raised to new life in Christ. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4 ESV What is the result? 5. The Assurance of Salvation and Faithful Living "For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'" Romans 10:13 ESV But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18 ESV Salvation is not about a one-time prayer—it is about obedient faith and transformation.

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 LEAVE IT TO GOD Living The Gospel Everyday - Part 10 3/16/25 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21 ESV Genuine ἀνυπόκριτος (anupokritos) - sincere, genuine, without hypocrisy Abhor ἀποστυγέω (apostugeó) - to detest. To have firm aversion against that z the believers complete attitude towards evil; abhor Peace εἰρηνεύω (eiréneuó) - to be at peace, to live in peace, to keep peace Good ἀγαθός (agathos) intrinsically good, good in nature, good whether it be seen to be so or not, the widest and most colorless of all words with this meaning. Do Not Take Vengeance - It is Gods Vengeance / Revenge God’s authority is absolute Blessing Instead Bless those that persecute Rejoice with those who weep Find harmony with one another Never be wise in your own eyes Never repay evil fore evil Surrendering Vengeance to GOD VENGENCE IN MINE I WILL REPAY Trust that God will keep His Promise Trust that God has seen your hurt and pain Trust that God sees more fully and will act accordingly STEPS IN ANGER/HURT 1. Acknowledge the Hurt 2. Realize its too big Dangerous to carry 3. Surrender the Pain to God 4. Let go of your “Right” for justice 5. Trust God will be JUST and JUSTIFIER 6. Make the choice to Forgive 7. Choose to overcome evil with Good - Choose to LOVE So act of TRUST by redirecting your feelings Give to the one in need Bring water to the thirsty Help up the one who has fallen down Give food to the hungry Show love to people around you “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 LIVING TRANSFORMED Living The Gospel Everytday – Part 9 3/9/25 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV Exhort παρακαλέω (parakaleó) To come alongside another and urge, encourage, challenge Worship λατρεία (latreia) refers to the worship practices and religious duties performed by believers as an expression of their faith and reverence for God Conform συσχηματίζω (suschématizó) Usage: The verb συσχηματίζω means to conform or to shape oneself according to a particular pattern or model. It implies an external conformity to a standard or example, often with the nuance of adapting to the surrounding environment or societal norms. Transformed μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) Usage: The Greek verb μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) signifies a profound transformation or change in form. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual transformations. The term implies a change that is not merely superficial but involves an essential alteration in nature or character Prove δοκιμάζω (dokimazo). Usage: The verb "dokimazo" primarily means to test or examine something to determine its genuineness or worth. It is often used in the context of testing metals to prove their purity. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to refer to the testing of individuals, doctrines, or spiritual truths to discern their authenticity and value. Will θέλημα (theléma) Usage: In the New Testament, theléma primarily refers to the will or desire of God, encompassing His sovereign plans and purposes. It can also denote human will or desire, though it is most often used in the context of divine will. The term emphasizes the intentional and purposeful nature of God's actions and commands. Therefore . . . 1 - Righteousness through Faith 2 - God’s Judgement is Just 3 - God is Just and Justifier 4 - Abraham’s example of faith leading to righteousness 5 - What is our reaction to being justified - peace 6 - Transformation - removal of sin, righteousness of Christ, Holy Spirit 7 - Free from the Law 8 - Walk in the Spirit / Nothing can separate from Gods Love 9 - We were called/chosen by God 10 - Share the Good News 11 - Promise for Jews and Gentiles Living Sacrifice Is Holy . . . (Condition) Without Sin Walking in the Spirit Covered with Righteousness of Christ Is Acceptable . . . (Actions) Following of Christ, Obeying to His commands, Living out God’s calling, Sharing the Gospel Pressing Forward Daily Choice; What am I dying to today? What gets left behind? “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who offered himself up as a sacrifice for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV Transformation: God Changes Everything but our mind Holy Spirit leads us into all truth Life in the Spirit changes our view of life Transformation only happens through immersion What is your identity now? How will you own in? So You May Know God’s Will Faith in His plan for you Confidence in what lies ahead Courage to rise up to His call for your life Without knowing who you are you can never know what you are to do If you are a child of God, then you will know the Fathers will