Main Truth:  Since Jesus alone makes us good, lest's make good His name

FOLLOW JESUS BY FORSKAING OUR GOODNESS

  Acknowledge that God alone is good(18)

  Acknowledge the deficiency of trusting in our goodness (18-22)

  Acknowledge that God provides goodness through Jesus (26-27)

FOLLOW JESUS BY FORSAKING OUR WEALTH

  Be aware of the handicap of wealth (22-25)

  Be aware of the greater treasure (29-31)

Main Truth - Because marriage is hard, trust in God's design and assistance to endure.

Question #1 - "What is God's will concerning divorce?"

  Teaching of Old Testament and Jewish tradition (Duet 24:1-4)

  God's will is for marriage to be permanent (Mark 10:9)

Questions #2 - "Is divorce ever permitted?"

  Divorce is permitted under special circumstances

  Offended spouse should seek reconciliation.  Involve the church in the process.

Question#3 - "What is God's will concerning marriage?"

  Marriage is a unique creation by God (vs 6)

  Marriage involves Leaving and Cleaving.

  Marriage is a mystery of one flesh.

Question #4 - "How do we fight to remain married?"

  Reject culture's approach to marriage -

  recognize God's sovereignty in marriage -

  Receive God's power for marriage -

What is God saying to you?  How will you respond?

Main Truth:  Because following Jesus brings life, we must choose to make our purposes and desires secondary to Him.

I.  Submit your mind to the purpose of Jesus (8:31-33)

Recognize the divine necessity of Jesus live and death

Repent:  Our purposes frequently trump God's purpose

Follow: Choose to align your purpose with God's purposes

Rejoice that Christ LOST to that we would WIN

II.  Submit your heart to the person of Jesus (8:34)

Recognize the conditions of following Jesus

Repent: We follow Christ on our own terms

Follow:  Choose to make our desires secondart to his desires

Rejoice that Christ empowers and restores those who fail

III.  Submit your hope to the promise of Jesus (8:35-38)

Recognize the threats of not following Jesus

Recognize the rewards of following Jesus

Choose to lose so that you will gain

The object of faith

The attitude of faith