Romans 13:1-7 (HCSB)A Christian’s Duties to the State 13 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to ...  Read More

The Marks of a True ChristianLet the Holy Spirit transform your thinking and behavior by learning and applying God’s Word.KEY TRUTH: Believers Should Respond to God’s Mercy by Giving All to Him (Romans 12:1–2)KEY TRUTH: Believers Should Respond to God’s Mercy by Using Our Gifts to Serve (Romans 12:3–8)KEY TRUTH: Believers Should Respond to God’s Mercy With Christlike Conduct (Romans 12:9–21)FAMILY...  Read More

1.  What are you doing each day to be a "living and holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God”? What does this verse mean to you? What do you need to change to be more like this?2.  If you have not done so already, take a Spiritual Gifts Survey and find out what your gifts are. What is your gift/gifts (everyone has at least one) and how can I use them at Temple? How can the church be limited if every...  Read More

Galatians 5:16-26  (HCSB)The Spirit versus the Flesh 16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the f...  Read More

1 John 1:1-10  (HCSB)Prologue: Our Declaration 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life— 2 that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also d...  Read More

Romans 12:9-21  (HCSB)Christian Ethics 9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality...  Read More

I hope you enjoyed our small break from the D6 curriculum while we ventured into S.E.R.V.E. I hope that you found that helpful to at least get you thinking where God wants you to serve Him and His Kingdom. If you are totally confused… please catch a staff person or a guest services person and tell them you want to learn more about how to serve God and others. Now back to our regularly scheduled pr...  Read More

Romans 12:3-8  (HCSB)Many Gifts but One Body 3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individu...  Read More

Romans 12:1-2  (HCSB)A Living Sacrifice 12 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.Susan Jones If you remember...this was...  Read More

JUSTIFIED BY FAITHRejoice even in suffering, knowing God uses difficulty to develop our character.KEY TRUTH: Those Justified by Faith in Christ Have Peace With God (Romans 5:1–11)KEY TRUTH: Believers Have Grace, Righteousness, and Eternal Life Through Faith in Christ (Romans 5:12–21)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!What does the word justified mean?   What are some additiona...  Read More

1.  Paul starts Romans 5 by saying “therefore...” How does Romans 4:23-25 connect to what Paul is talking about in chapter 5? What does justification mean and how is it connected to our peace with God through Jesus (vs. 1)?2. Compare Romans 3:25-26 and Romans 5:8. How do those passages compare the motivation for the Cross? Who are the people in your life you would be willing to die for? WHY would ...  Read More

Romans 6:15-23 (HCSB)From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God 15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you ...  Read More