SERMON NOTES

Service Announcements/moments: 

Reno Campus
Starting Point – 1/14/24

Carson Campus
Starting Point 1/28/24

Reno Campus
Pastor Dave Pretlove

Carson Campus
Pastor Dusty Braun

Sermon Title: How to live a life of greatness
Passage: Luke 3:1-20

Luke 3:1-20 NIV

PERSONAL REFLECTION

1. What behavior/action have you tried to change year after year with no luck? 
2. Do you dig into your faith or do you flee from your faith in good times? What about in bad times?  Reflect on why you flee. 
3. Is there a deep root that needs to be addressed in order to experience a breakthrough in faith?
4. How is repentance an ongoing process and not a one time event in your life?
5. Repentance, as was pointed out, is not a one time thing, but a lifestyle that results in changed hearts and behaviors. What is one thing that, this year, you can offer up to God where a deeper sense of repentance is needed?
6. God is calling all Christians to proclaim love God and love others and make a difference (by proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples). How does the specific calling God has on your life fit into the broad calling that He has for all Christians?

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON

• Romans 2:4
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• John 3:17

RESOURCES

• Podcast | Lisa Whittle | tragedy, Grief, and, God’s faithfulness
• Podcast | John Eldridge | The Rest of Our Salvation
• Book | Ken Costa | Know your Why 
• Book | Craig Groeschel | The Power to Change
• Article | The Gospel Coalition | Repentance is a posture 

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY

Develop a Rule of Life (ROL).

A Rule of Life, is a simple pattern that we implement into our daily life. This pattern is designed to intentionally move you forward in your faith with Jesus and your spiritual life. Taking the time to develop a ROL will help create vision for your life. Living by it will lead to transformation. These Rule of Life are not steadfast unmovable block in your day to day, but rather pliable patterns to initiate growth and transformation. Their goal is your goal, to help provide direction and support as you develop in holiness as God desires. Romans 12:1-2 in the message translation encourages us to embrace Gods best in every area of our life. “Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God’s transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a “rule of life” allows for regular space for the practice of the spiritual disciplines. – Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Most of us at some point in our life have felt the inner knowledge that we are  Wired for more, designed with a purpose. Do you know what yours is? For years I walked through life, working, trying to parent with a purpose. But most of this was just a response, a reaction, to live differently from what I experienced growing up. I knew my lived experience was short of something greater. I knew at my core I was designed for more. Is that you? Do you know you are living day to day below your designed potential?

We are all called to a great life. A God-designed life.  Often times one thing rooted deep in our life hinders us from living out our purpose and calling. This thing, behavior, or attitude, needs to be addressed in order to experience all God intends and calls us to. This is a repentance opportunity. Stand up and do not shrink back from this moment. God loves you and wants what’s best.

Often our fear keeps us from seeking and surrendering to repentance. Romans 2:4 assures us of God’s kindness and patience to meet us in our repentance. We see God’s good graces meet us in our repentance, He comforts us in our surrender and empowers us to live out the calling to Love Him, Love Others, and Make a Difference with our lives.

Praying for a great year for all,

Rob Hans | Adult Ministries Pastor