Bloom Church Podcast Bloom Church

'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises… The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:3,5,8,10 NLT
 
THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH
 
FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD.
 
THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE
Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence… 2 Peter 1:5 NLT
 
' “If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT
 
Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Judges 15:20 NIV
 
'The woman ran and told her husband, “A man of God appeared to me! He looked like osonne of God’s angels, terrifying to see. I didn’t ask where he was from, and he didn’t tell me his name. But he told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. For your  will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.’” Judges 13:6-7 NLT
 
One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. The people of Gaza were told, “Samson is here!” So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, “At dawn we’ll kill him.”Judges 16:1-2 NIV
 
RARELY DO WE GET TO THE WRONG PLACE IN LIFE BY ONE BAD CHOICE. WE GET THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME, ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND ONE BAD DECISION AT A TIME.
 
WE DON’T BELIEVE OUR BAD DECISIONS OR DISOBEDIENCE WILL COST US.
 
But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. Judges 16:3 NIV
 
Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4 NIV
 
IThe rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” Judges 16:5-6 NIV
 
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. Judges 16:19-21 NIV
 
HOW DO YOU PURSUE MORAL EXCELLENCE?
 
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT
 
1. GIRD YOUR MINDS
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is r

'The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT
 
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11 NLT
 
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
 
THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH
 
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:1-5 NLT
 
FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD.
 
'These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT
 
'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  James 1:2-5 NLT
 
TRAGEDY IS WHEN WE ALLOW OUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO BLIND US FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.
 
'So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
 
'Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
 
'But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the win

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 NLT
 
You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:19 NLT
 
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 1 John 3:1 NLT
 
'But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Hebrews 3:6 NLT
 
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT
 
The scriptures are very clear that church is not something you are intended just to attend and receive from, but something you are designed to contribute to for the well-being of others!
 
You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT
 
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
Physical needs.
Safety needs.
Love needs.
Esteem needs.
Cognitive needs.
Aesthetic needs.
Self-actualization needs.
So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last. Matthew 20:16 NLT
 
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… Matthew 20:20 NLT
 
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT
 
'I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:15,17 NLT
 
'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 28:18-20 NLT
 
1. Self-Centered Discipleship
 
“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Genesis 3:3-6 NLT
 
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ” John 6:66-69 NLT
 
According to Jesus, discipleship is not about self-actualization or self-preservation; it is about self-denial.
 
'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NLT
 
2. Spiritual Apathy
 
11 Now these are the gi

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply”…Genesis 1:27-28 NLT
 
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
 
NEEDS TO BE MET BY MOTHERS
 
Safety
 
Nurture
 
Basic Trust
 
Belonging and Invitation
 
Someone to Love
 
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 NLT
 
 
NEEDS TO BE MET BY FATHERS
 
Unconditional, expressed love
 
Security and Comfort
 
Praise and Affirmation
 
Provision
 
Purpose in Life
 
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NLT
 
WE LET THE BIBLE LEAD & GUIDE US, NOT OUR EMOTIONS AND EXPERIENCES.
 
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105 NLT
 
WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL APPROACH TO RAISING KIDS?
 
1. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS CHRIST-LOVE OVER SELF-LOVE
 
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things… Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
 
WE TEACH OUR KIDS THAT CHRIST’S LOVE IS A SACRIFICIAL LOVE
 
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT
'There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NLT
 
2. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS GODLY PRIORITIES
 
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Matthew 4:10 NLT
 
“ the only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ.” F.B. Meyer
 
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT
 
3. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS THAT GODLY DISCIPLINE IS LOVE
 
'Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15 AMP
 
THE DISCIPLINE OF GODLY PARENTS FOCUSES ON THE HEART, NOT JUST THE RULES.
 
'And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord ’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT
 
For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23 NLT

In parenting More is caught than taught.
1. Parents are responsible for helping their teen build a solid FOUNDATION.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11 (ESV)
2. With a solid foundation, parents guide teens to discover their IDENTITY in Christ.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
 
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
 
3. Teens need more than just their parents, they need Godly MENTORS
One of the biggest factors to shape your identity is the voices you’re allowing to speak into you life.
TEENAGERS NEED SPIRITUAL MENTORS LIKE:
Parents Healthy Peers Small Group Leaders Pastors & Ministry Leaders  
4. Teens need to explore their identity in Christ and find PURPOSE in the context of spiritual mentors.
5. Teens need to see and experience God’s GRACE through you.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 NLT

'If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT
 
If you want to change the culture in your home, you have to change the way you communicate.
 
For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. Matthew 12:34 NLT
 
'The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT
 
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:2 NLT
 
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OUR WORDS/TONGUES
 
1. THE TONGUE IS SMALL BUT POWERFUL
 
'We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches….
James 3:3-5 NLT
 
2.  THE TONGUE IS DIRECTIONAL
 
And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. James 3:4 NLT
 
3. THE TONGUE HAS A QUICK IMPACT
 
'In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. James 3:5 NLT
 
HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE IN A HEALTHY WAY?
 
STOP BEFORE YOU SPEAK  
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
 
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT
 
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK  
T – is it True?
H – is it Helpful?
I – is it Inspiring?
N – is it Necessary?
K – is it Kind?
 
PRAY BEFORE YOU SPEAK  
Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. Psalms 141:3 NLT
 
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT
 
'Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
 
FORGIVENESS IS NOT…
 
MAKING EXCUSES FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED
 
SOMETHING THE OTHER PERSON EARNS OR DESERVES
 
FORGETTING OR AVOIDING
 
INSTANT RESTORATION OF TRUST.
 
FORGIVENESS is the conscious choice to give up your right to make the other person pay because you trust God to make things right.
 
 
HOW DOES FORGIVENESS WORK IN A GODLY WAY?
 
1. We recognize forgiveness is a conviction, not a circumstance.
 
So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” Luke 17:3-4 NLT
 
2. We understand why forgiveness is so difficult.
 
REQUIRES EMOTIONAL ENERGY
 
REQUIRES UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS AND RISKY OUTCOMES
 
IT FEELS UNNATURAL
 
TAKES AWAY PERCEPTION OF CONTROL
 
3. WE FOCUS ONLY ON WHAT WE CAN CONTROL
 
'Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NLT
 
SO WHAT CAN I CONTROL?
 
1. PRAY FOR GODS HELP
 
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view…. 2 Corinthians 5:16 NLT
 
2. PRAY FOR THEM
 
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  Matthew 5:43-44 NLT
 
3. DO THE OPPOSITE
 
Never pay