Avalon Church

God’s story that began before the world was created was a hidden mystery that was finally revealed in Jesus. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 2 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Corinthians 2:6-9, 1 Corinthians 2:16, John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C72fhYn6y1E, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-the-mystery-of-god-week-5/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-31_A-Beautiful-Mess_Week-5_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide ... This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. – 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT) Translation Slide Yet when among mature believers, [we] do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” –1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (NLT) “[It’s] the moment when the great melody of history has begun to be heard in a major key instead of a minor one.” –NT Wright, Paul for Everyone: 1 Corinthians But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. –1 Corinthians 2:16b (NLT) I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. –John 15:5 (NLT) That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “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) Baptism Slide Communion Slide

The power of the gospel is often revealed in the ordinary, weak, and foolish. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Galatians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 5:22-23, Video: https://youtu.be/vrrdUjSZ2C4, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-gods-power-is-revealed-in-weakness-week-4/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-24_A-Beautiful-Mess_Week-4_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide Map Ways to Participate AvalonChurch.org/Commentary 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) Vs. 1 Vs. 3 Vs. 2 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. –Galatians 6:14 (NIV) The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less. –2 Corinthians 5:5 (The Msg) Vss. 4-5 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. –Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Pastor William Nieto leads us in studying 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and why the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor William Nieto, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Video: https://youtu.be/kHUlBqOU1mM, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-the-foolishness-of-the-gospel-week-3/

As Paul begins his discussion concerning disunity in the Corinthian church, it has striking similarities to today. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Acts 18:27-28, Video: https://youtu.be/9UykHXRZ3LU, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-unitiy-week-2/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-10_A-Beautiful-Message_Week-2_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide New ways to Participate slide I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. – 1 Cor. 1:10-17 (NIV) (repeat verses 10-12) Map When Apollos arrived [in Corinth in Achaia], he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. –Acts 18:27-28 (NIV) (repeat verses 13-17) Closing Prayer

This message introduces 1 Corinthians and Paul’s brilliant framing of what happens when Christ is put in the center of our lives. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 1:3, Video: https://youtu.be/dHYSXsfEves, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-intro-week-1/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-03_Beautiful-Mess_Week-1_DQ.pdf, Notes: New Prayer Card slide “Ways to Participate” (1-2) Ways to Participate” (3) – Bible Project Ways to Participate (4) – NT Wright Commentary 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, –1 Corinthians 1:1 (NIV) 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: –1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV) 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Map – overview Map – Corinth up close 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.–1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) Ways to Participate (overview)

May every Life Group be inspired to leave the comfort and security of attending church and go together to bless the world. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 13:34, Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 4:16, Video: https://youtu.be/dGRXD_qghx0, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-7/, Discussion Questions: 2021-09-26_Follow-Me_Week-7_DQ.pdf, Notes: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) Minimum Functions of a Church (slide from last week) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. –Ephesians 4:11 (NLT) 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. –Ephesians 4:12 (NLT) 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. –Ephesians 4:13 (NLT) 16 From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. –Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) Jesus’ body was blessed to be broken and broken to be given. Joanna Han Jenny Chau Joe Chau

The Church is God's family. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34, Luke 5:20, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg9Azu9uCLg, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-what-community-looks-like-week-6/, Discussion Questions: 6-What-Community-Looks-Like-DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. AvalonChurch.org/Groups 2. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). 3. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34, NIV) 4. “The Chosen” video clip 5.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” –Luke 5:20 (NIV) 6. Minimum Functions of a. Church slide 7. “Chinwendu and Chinazom Enyioha” 8. AvalonChurch.org/Groups

Worship is being transformed into Christ's likeness together. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 13:34, Romans 12:2, Video: https://youtu.be/gM88GEHFULI, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-what-worship-looks-like-week-5/, Discussion Questions: 5-What-Worship-looks-like-DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV).

Each of us in community exists to life as Jesus’ tangible presence in the world. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 1:14, John 8:1-11, John 13:34, Matthew 8:2-3, Matthew 8:5-7, Matthew 9:10-11, Matthew 9:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHciECSHvU, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-living-incarnationally-week-4/, Discussion Questions: 4-Living-Incarnationally-DQ.pdf, Notes: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) Euangelion, disciple, ecclesia AvalonChurch.org/PrayerCard Zach and Meredith El Zahab In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. –John 1:1 (NIV) The Word became flesh [human] and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. –John 1:14 (NIV) Incarnation Church Sign 1: Hell-fire Church sign 2: Do you hear me now? Church sign 3: Do you know what hell is? Church sign 4: Don’t dishonor... A man with leprosy… said, “If you are willing, you can heal me.  Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,”   (Matthew 8:2-3 NLT) A Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”  7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” (Matthew 8:5-7 NLT) While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11 NLT) “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT)

Followers of Jesus are part of a Kingdom-community that exists to live out God's original purpose for humanity. It is our responsibility to intentionally GO and GROW together. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, John 13:34, Acts 2:43, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 2:46, Acts 2:47, John 17:21, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIMJP_GDF44, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-3/, Discussion Questions: 2021-08-29_Follow-Me_Week-3_DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). 2. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) 3. Prayer Card: AvalonChurch.org/PrayerCard, Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/avalonchurchprayer 4. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. –Acts 2:42 (NLT) 5. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. –Acts 2:43 (NLT) 6.  And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. –Acts 2:44-45 (NLT) 7. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— Acts 2:46 (NLT) 8. all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. –Acts 2:47 (NLT) 9. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. –John 17:21 (NLT) 10. Ecclesia 11. Church is the gathered followers ...for worship (becoming like Jesus) ...in community (Loving one another) ...on mission (loving and blessing the world)

Following Jesus is not something you do, it's a person you become... a person just like Jesus. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Luke 6:40, Rom 8:28-29, Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35, Romans 8:29, Luke 5:15-16, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWw96RaGCio, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-2/, Notes: Prayer Card: AvalonChurch.org/PrayerCard 1. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). 2. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) 3. Disciple = student, apprentice 4. 40 Students (disciples) are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. –Luke 6:40 (NLT) 5. 29  For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. –Romans 8:29 (NLT) 6. The extent to which we know Jesus is our limit to becoming like him. 7. 15  But despite Jesus’ instructions [to be quiet], the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16  But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. –Luke 5:15-16 (NLT) 8. You cannot give what you do not possess.

In a world where following Jesus is equated with “going to church,” the goal of this series is to recapture Jesus’ idea of what it means to follow him and take responsibility together for becoming like him. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Luke 4:14-21, Video: https://youtu.be/Sj0XehMLBg4, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-1/, Discussion Questions: 1-Good-News-DQ.pdf, Notes: Prayer Card: https://avalonchurch.org/PrayerCard

We take a look at Jesus’ differing responses to Mary and Martha concerning what is most important... hurry or relationships. Series: ReCreate, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 11:28-30, Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCJKpdz3lA2YnZTvE3Neng/live, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/recreate-hurry-is-incompatible-with-relationship-week-2/, Discussion Questions: 2021-05-09-Week-2-DQ-Mothers-Day-2021.pdf, Notes: Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)28  “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”Hurry DevotionLuke 10:38-42 (NLT)38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”Kosuke Koyama quoteHow much do I care about the things I should care about?

Hurry is the great enemy of a vibrant spiritual life. That's why Jesus invites us to come to him, all who tired and weary. In him is rest and ReCreation.Series: ReCreate, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 11:28-30:, James 1:8, Video: https://www.facebook.com/202571889761757/videos/1815784508579275, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/recreate-the-hurry-problem-week-1/, Discussion Questions: 2021-05-02-1-DQ-ReCreate-Intro.pdf,Notes: Matthew 11:28-3028 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11 (NLT)Matthew 11:28-30, The MessageWhen your loyalty is divided between God and the world, you are unstable in everything you do. –James 1:8 (NLT)“The Jesus way wedded to the Jesus truth brings about the Jesus life.” –Eugene Peterson, The Jesus WayThe Silver Chair, C.S. LewisHurry Devo - AvalonChurch.org/HurryDevo

3 Warning Signs to live out Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Series: The Upside Down Life, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 7:12-23, James 2:17, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/live, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/the-upside-down-life-warning-signs-part-14/, Discussion Questions: 2021-04-25-14-DQ-Warning-Signs.pdf, Notes: 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. –Matthew 7 (NIV) 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. –Matthew 7 (NIV)12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. –Matthew 7 (NIV)13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. –Matthew 7 (NIV)14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. –Matthew 7 (NIV)15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. –Matthew 7 (NIV)16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? –Matthew 7 (NIV)17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. –Matthew 7 (NIV)18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. –Matthew 7 (NIV)19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. –Matthew 7 (NIV)20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. –Matthew 7 (NIV)21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 7 (NIV)22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ –Matthew 7 (NIV)23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ –Matthew 7 (NIV)Question 1 SlideWhat We Usually Ask:* If you were to die tonight, do yo know for certain that you'd go to be with God in heaven?* If Jesus returned today, would you be ready to meet God?Question 2 SlideWhat We Should Consider Asking:* If you were to live another fifty years, what kind of person would you like to become--and how will you become that kind of person?* If Jesus doesn't return for thousands of years, what kind of world does he want us to work towards?...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. –James 2:17 (NIV)13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. –Matthew 7 (NIV)15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. –Matthew 7 (NIV)16 By their fruit you will recognize them. –Matthew 7 (NIV)21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 7 (NIV)22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ –Matthew 7 (NIV)23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ –Matthew 7 (NIV)

Jesus invites us to a new perspective on who and why he invites to ask, seek and knock.Series: The Upside Down Life, Speaker: Pastor Jim Groves, Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:7-8, James 1:6-7, John 14:13-14, James 4:3, 1 John 5:14-15, Ephesians 1:17, Jeremiah 29:13, Revelation 3:20, 1 John 3:1, Video: https://www.facebook.com/202571889761757/videos/360149018748129, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/the-upside-down-life-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-part-13/, Discussion Questions: 2021-04-18-PART-13-DQ-The-Upside-Down-LIfe.pdf, Notes: Sermon Image 1Sermon Image 27 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!– Matthew 7:7-11 NIV7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8 NIV6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. – James 1:6-7 NIV13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. – John 14:13-14 NIV3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. – James 4:3 NIV14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. – 1 John 5:14-15 NIVSermon Image 1 (again)Sermon Image 2 (again)7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!– Matthew 7:7-11 NIVWho does Jesus Invite? Those who don’t know God as loving, interactive, or relationalWho does Jesus Invite?Those who don’t know God as loving, interactive, or relational.Those who know God but don’t trust him17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Ephesians 1:17 NIV13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13 NIV20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. – Revelation 3:20 NIVWho does Jesus Invite?Those who don’t know God as loving, interactive, or relationalThose who know God but don’t trust himThose who are angry with GodSermon Image 3 [Forgiveness chart]See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!– 1 John 3:1 NIV

Judging people is probably what the church is most known for in our culture. We need to be reminded of Jesus’ posture when it comes to pointing out other’s faults. Series: The Upside Down Life, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 15:5-6, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOlIGzo9uM, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/the-upside-down-life-judging-others-part-12/, Discussion Questions: 2021-04-11-PART-11-DQ-Judging-others.pdf, Notes: Starry Night1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. – Matthew 7 (NIV)2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7 (NIV)3 “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? – Matthew 7 (NIV)4 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? – Matthew 7 (NIV)5 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 (NIV)1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. – Matthew 7 (NIV)CartoonJesus did not call us to be right, he called us to be light.5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. –Romans 15:5-6

This Easter we are reminded how God sees the world. We remember what happened to Jesus on Day 3 after the worst day ever. Easter is about hope, even in our worst days. Easter reminds us that God is working, bringing new life, new creation, and resurrection. Series: Easter Service, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d5JtP9buFk, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/easter-service-april-4-2021/, Discussion Questions: 2021-04-04-DQ-Easter-2021.pdf

It’s possible to be close to religion, and yet still miss God. Series: Palm Sunday Service, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:29-38, John 12:12-15, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 9:10, Jeremiah 31, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDzhFxGacBM, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/palm-sunday-march-28-2021/, Discussion Questions: 2021-03-28-DQ-Palm-Sunday-2021.pdf, Notes: Palm Sunday Accounts: Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:29-38, John 12:12-15“9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. –Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)“He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem. The bow used in battle will be broken; he will speak peace to the nations. His rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the Earth.” –Zechariah 9:1031 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. –Jeremiah 31 (NIV)32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. –Jeremiah 31 (NIV)33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. –Jeremiah 31 (NIV)34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. –Jeremiah 31 (NIV)Maundy ThursdayGood Friday (G-Drive)Easter Sunday

Jesus encourages his followers not to worry, but to trust that God is their Provider. Series: The Upside Down Life, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYEiwwzh4vg, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/the-upside-down-life-anxious-for-nothing-part-11/, Discussion Questions: 2021-03-21-PART-10-DQ-Anxious-for-Nothing.pdf, Notes: 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? – Matthew 6 (NLT)26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? – Matthew 6 (NLT)27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? – Matthew 6 (NLT)28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, – Matthew 6 (NLT29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. – Matthew 6 (NLT)30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? – Matthew 6 (NLT)China Flowers – YellowHolland Flowers – Tulips/WindmillNew Zealand – water/MountainCalifornia – Orange and YellowJapan – Blue flowers and tree31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ – Matthew 6 (NLT32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. – Matthew 6 (NLT)33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6 (NLT)34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. – Matthew 6 (NLT)6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)Coral reef. N. LightsDesertIce CaveFrog on PennyRylie