Dear Saddleback Family,
Use the Message Action Plan below to help put the things you learned this weekend into practice. If you missed last weekend's message, click here to watch it online.
GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE - HOW JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING
(5-6 March 2016)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to recover the sight of the blind, to release the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
The Bible says that Jesus came to:
- Give hope to the hopeless
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (ISV)
Action Plan: Think about a situation you are in right now that seems hopeless (financial struggles, failing marriage, rebellious kids, stress from school and/or work, all of the above, etc.) and pray to God, asking for relief and peace in your situation. Commit to praying about this situation every day this week, even if it's just for a minute or two at a time. - Heal the brokenhearted
"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)
Action Plan: Surrender to God your broken heart if you are going through a tough season. Memorize Psalm 34:17-18 this week and in your quiet time spend time reading through all of Psalms 34. - Release the captives
" Jesus said . . . 'Everyone who sins is a slave of sin . . . But if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'" John 8: 34, 36 (NIV)
Action Plan: Confess to God anything that is holding you captive and seek His unfailing love and wisdom to see you to victory over your captivity. Look into Celebrate Recovery as a way to break free from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Visit www.celebraterecovery.com . - Reveal God to the world
"When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me." Jeremiah 29:13 (GW).
Action Plan: Try exploring deeper Bible study. There are many different methods to studying God's Word, choose a new one to explore this week. For a look at different methods, check out the book Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods. - Purchase your freedom
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NLT)
Action Plan: Write out in your own words what you are thankful to God for. Read back through your list, praying a prayer of thanksgiving for each of these things.
