NBCF Sermons

September 27, 2026 (Deacons)

September 20, 2026

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Then Jesus says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 Am I actually following Jesus? Who am I helping follow Jesus? Who are they helping follow Jesus? Who has God already placed around you?

September 13, 2026

God did not create you to sit back; He built you to move forward. Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16–20 God has built His church to move toward people, not away from them. Jesus Sends Us Under His Absolute Authority I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee…. Matthew 28:16 When they saw him, they worshiped him but some of the doubted? Matthew 28:17 We Reach People Where They Already Are …baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you... Matthew 28:19-20 Saved people reach people We Reach People Who Reach People (Multiplication) And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 Three Simple Steps We are built to reach people who reach their city by making disciples who make disciples. 1. Identify: Write down the name or initials of your ONE .2. Intercede: Set a daily alarm on your phone for 11:28 AM every day this week reminding you of Matthew 11:28 to pause for 30 seconds and pray for God to soften their heart.3. Invite / Initiate: Send them one simple text message. Ask how they are doing, offer to buy them a coffee or let them know you're thinking about them.

September 6, 2026

God Restores You So You Can Run Again Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” 1 king 19:15-16 God Interrupts Your Field So, Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!” Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.” So,Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. 1 King 19:19-21 We Must Remember the Power Isn't in the Person; It’s in the Presence When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal… Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And he saw him no more. He picked up Elijah’s cloak… and struck the water with it… The river divided, and Elisha went across. 2 Kings 2:8-14 "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" 2 Kings 2:14b

August 30, 2026

God meets you where you actually are not where you pretend to be Spiritual Victories Don’t Make You Immune to Spiritual Battles When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 1 Kings 19:1-4 When you’re burnt out, your feelings will lie to you. God meets you where you actually are not where you pretend to be. God Cares for Your Soul Before He Corrects Your Situation Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:5-8 God meets you where you actually are not where you pretend to be God Speaks in a Whisper Because He Wants You Close There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave... Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came... anoint Elisha to replace you as my prophet… Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal!” 1 Kings 19:9-18 "Let those who long to die leave God to choose the day; else they may miss the horses and chariots of fire." F.B. Meyer God will always meet you where you actually are not where you pretend to be.

August 23, 2026

Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. James 5:17a I am tired of living torn between two worlds. Elijah comes near to all the people and says, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 1 Kings 18:21 …And the people did not answer him a word. 1 Kings 18:21c I am tired of living torn between two worlds. I will stop trusting things that can never love me back. Elijah says to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god! Either he is deep in thought, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened! And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:22-29 ….But there was no voice. 1 Kings 18:26 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god! Either he is deep in thought, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened!” 1 Kings 18:27 …No one answered; no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:29 False gods always demand more and deliver less. I will stop trusting things that can never love me back. I am placing my whole life on the altar. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. 1 Kings 18:30–35 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 1 Kings 18:36 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God!” 1 Kings 18:38-39 “THE LORD, HE IS GOD! THE LORD, HE IS GOD!” 1 Kings 18:39 Weekly Challenge 1 Identify your competing god. 2 Stop negotiating with your Creator – Lord, what area of my life have I not fully placed under Your authority?

August 16, 2026

Grace received must become grace expressed! People Should Experience Jesus Before They Hear Your Opinions Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:1-2 Represent, don't react! Never Forget Who You Used to Be For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. Titus 3:3 Mercy Changes How We Treat Messy People But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 ...being justified by his grace. Titus 3:7 Good Works Are Evidence of Salvation; Not the Cause of Salvation The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3: 8–11 Challenge for the Week • Conduct a "Neighbor Audit" & Do One Hidden Act of Generosity • Pray This Simple Prayer Every Single Morning: “Lord, help someone experience You through me today.”

August 9, 2026

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Titus 2:1 My Ordinary Routine Is My Primary Pulpit 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Titus 2:2 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children. Titus 2:3-4 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. Titus 2:5 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. Titus 2:6-10 I am not an island. Someone is Always Watching the Pattern of My Influence. I Am Soaked in Grace So I No Longer Have to Strain for Approval 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. Titus 2:11-12 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:14 I Am Anchored in an Eternal Hope That Directs My Today 5...so they will not bring shame on the word of God. 8...so those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 10Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.” Titus 2:5, 8, 10 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:13 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. Titus 2:15 Action Steps • CONNECT • COMMIT • PRACTICE

August 2, 2026

The Gospel isn’t just something we believe; it’s something people should be able to see. Titus 1:1-16 Private Integrity Precedes Public Influence 5 …to complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. Titus 1:5 6 An elder must live a blameless life... Titus 1:6a He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. Titus 1:6b 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Titus 1:7 Healthy Leadership Starts with Healthy Living must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. Titus 1:9 10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. Titus 1:10 Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons. This saying is true. Titus 1:12b-13a What We Tolerate Today Becomes Who We Are Tomorrow …reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith.14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. Titus 1 13b-14. 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:15 16 Such people claim they know God but they deny him by the way they live. Titus 1:16 God Wants Your Heart More Than Your Image Weekly Challenge o Spend 15 min each day letting God search your heart: • 5 Minutes of Silence • 5 Minutes of Scripture • 5 Minutes of Soul-Searching o Second: Ask one trusted person: "Where do you see God wanting to grow me right now?"

July 26, 2026

My heart naturally loves grace as a shield but demands justice as a sword. The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time. Jonah 3:1 Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown. Jonah 3:4b The people of Nineveh believed God. Jonah 3:5 Who knows? God may turn and relent. Jonah 3:9b But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. Jonah 4:1 I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live. Jonah 4:2b (Exodus 34:6) A right theology can easily mask a ruthless and unmerciful heart. 9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals? Jonah 4:9-11 Who is the Nineveh in your life right now? Should I not pity Nineveh? Jonah 4:11c To experience the fullness of God's grace I must release my grip on human fairness. Weekly Challenge: • Identify Your Nineveh • Pray for Rain

July 19, 2026

God sometimes takes us to the bottom so we’ll discover He’s been holding us all along. 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. 17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. 1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, 2 “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. 3 For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me...” Jonah 1:11-2:1-3 Rock Bottom Is Actually Holy Ground Then Jonah prayed... from the belly of the fish. Jonah 2:1 Your Perspective Shifts When Your Idols Die Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. Jonah 2:8 True repentance begins when my counterfeit IDOLS die: • The Idol of Comfort • The Idol of Control • The Idol of Reputation Never Forget Salvation Is Always God’s Job But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord! Jonah 2:9 Salvation is completely a work of God’s SOVEREIGN grace. And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 Weekly Challenge • Intentionally Shift Your Perspective Each Day: Salvation belongs to the Lord • Encourage Someone in the Deep Look around you.

July 12, 2026

If you run from God’s direction you will run into God’s correction. 1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” Jonah 1:1-2 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7b What Is the Anatomy of a Spiritual Runaway? You substitute personal politics for biblical obedience I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love... Jonah 4:2b You baptize your rebellion in respectable excuses You pay a high price for a low destination What are you currently giving up in order to keep your distance from God? Jonah went down to Joppa found a ship and paid the fare. Jonah 1:3b If you run from God’s direction you will run into God’s correction. Every Step Away from God’s Will Takes Us Down The Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea. Jonah 1:4 I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. Jonah 1:9 Sometimes Your Nightmare Is Actually Your Rescue If you run from Gods direction you will run into Gods correction. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 How To Stop Running • Acknowledge the area where you've been disobeying. • Accept the grace God is offering you right now in the storm. • Align your next decision with His direction. It starts with complete honesty. What area are you running from today? If you run from God’s direction, you will run into Gods correction

July 5, 2026

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 Who do you say that I am? Matthew 16:15 I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. John 8:12 This Week, Step Into Light When Light walks in, darkness walks out This Week, Decide Who You Say Jesus Is When Light walks in darkness walks out. This Week Remember The Four Ways Jesus’ Light Changes Everything Light Brightens You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. Psalm 18:28 Light Illuminates When Light walks in, darkness walks out. Light Reflects When Light walks in, darkness walks out. (picture or on screen) Light Reveals – Showing Us God and Our Purpose When Light walks in, darkness walks out. Jesus, You are the Light of the World! We will follow You! We will walk in Your light! We will reflect Your glory!Thank You for shining in our darkness!

June 28, 2026

A Put Together Life with an Unbroken Heart Is Dangerous 9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18:10 God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. Luke 18:11-12 God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Luke 18:13b I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14 Being Right Can Blind You to Yourself Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5 If We Aren’t Careful Truth Without Love Becomes Violence If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 The Scary Reality is that Our Pride Pushes Jesus Away More Than Our Weaknesses Ever Could Weekly Challenge • Perform a heart audit – Where am I most tempted to feel spiritually superior to others? • Second pause before you speak – Is what I am about to say going to produce restoration and closeness or is it just going to create distance?

June 21, 2026 (Father's Day)

True strength is measured by what you sacrifice not what you control. (Slide attached) Wake Up and Stand Up Be watchful, stand firm in the faith… 1 Corinthians 16:13a A man who kneels before God can stand before anything. (Slide attached) Grow Up with Courageous Maturity …act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13b True strength is measured by what you sacrifice not what you control. (Slide attached) Show Up in Radical Love Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 True strength is measured by what you sacrifice not what you control. (Slide attached) Weekly Challenge Challenge Part 1: The Daily Watch (Wake Up & Stand Up) – Where do I need to be watchful and stand firm? Challenge Part 2: The Agape Move (Grow Up & Show Up) – Make one intentional strategic move driven purely by sacrifice. True strength is measured by what you sacrifice not what you control. (Slide attached)

May 24, 2026

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood... Ephesians 6:12 Stand Strong In The Lord’s Strength Suit Up With God’s Armor Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6 Get Proficient In The Offensive Weapons God Has Given You If you only open your Bible on Sunday, your sword is already rusted by Tuesday. Finally, pray in the Spirit on all occasions Tactical Briefing for the Week (Weekly Challenge) The battle is real but the enemy is defeated! We don’t fight for victory we fight from victory! • Suit up before you sync up - Shield yourself before you expose yourself to the noise of the world.• Sharpen your scriptural machaira (dagger) – Identify Your Biggest Battle and attack it with a verse.• Send the SOS text – Lock shields with a Christian friend.

May 17, 2026

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Worship Begins with Surrender So Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice Worship Involves Transformation So Be Renewed in Your Mind Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2a Worship Leads to Discernment and Delight in God’s Will “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2b Reflection: What is the one area of your life where you’ve been sitting on the sidelines?

May 10, 2026 (Mother's Day)

Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. Luke 11:1 Prayer Is a Habit You Cultivate Not a Skill You Pick Up Overnight Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. 3 Give us each day the food we need, 4 and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.” Luke 11:1-4 Lord's Prayer First, God Second, Alignment Third, Dependence Fourth, Forgiveness Fifth, Guidance Persistence in Prayer Unlocks Power 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence." Luke 11:5-8 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Luke 11:13 Prayer Transforms the Prayed For and the One Who Prays So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 A. Prayer teaches dependence on God B. Prayer shapes perspective and wisdom C. Prayer connects you to God’s Kingdom work For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10 D. Prayer builds resilience and joy in the journey E. Prayer transforms doubt into faith Prayer Invites God Into the Impossible So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Luke 11:13 Kingdom Level Challenge Challenge #1: Carve out a daily prayer time. Challenge #2: Pray with bold persistence.

May 3, 2026

11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. Hebrews 5:11 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 13 For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 Spiritual Immaturity Is Dangerous 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 Put Your Excuses to Death 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 Doing the Word Is Just As Important As Knowing the Word 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. James 1:23-24 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25 Take Your Faith Seriously Practical Challenges Commit to Daily Bible Intake Practice Immediate Obedience Invest in Someone Else’s Growth

April 26, 2026

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 You Are a Light So Live with Purpose and Visibility 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 Your Life Reflects God’s Glory So Let Your Actions Point to Him In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Live for a Legacy So You Impact Others for Eternity 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Weekly Challenge: 1. Be Visible 2. Point to God’s Glory 3. Leave a Legacy