April 27th

Hebrews: It's All About Jesus


Developing a Spiritual Workout Routine

Hebrews 12:12-17


Strengthen feeble hands and weak knees. (v 12)

  • Strengthen that which is weak in a spiritual sense. Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 40:31, Ephesians 6:10, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 28:7
  • How? In the Lord, With the Lord, Through the Lord, In His presence - Prayer

Make straight paths for your feet. (v 13)

  • We have to read and study the Word. Psalm 119:105

Pursue peace with all people. (v 14)

  • We are to share the Word with all. Romans 12:18
  • We are to love them where they are but not leave them there without Jesus.

Look carefully (at Jesus, not the things of the world (v 15-17)

We need to have our gaze fiexed on the right things:

  • Lest anyone fall short of God's grace (we need to share the Good News)
  • Lest any root of bitterness sprout.
  • Lest we see our blessings for trivial things.

April 20th

It's Time to Go Fishing

John 21:1-23


  1. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection SHOULD produce a measurable change in the life of a believer. (v 1-3)
  2. Jesus has never once lost sight of where we are or what we are doing. (v 4-5)
  3. Jesus has never lost sight of the ultimate goal. (v 6-14)
  4. Jesus is sympathetic to our failings and struggles. (v 15-17)
  5. Jesus wants us to be done with our comparisons and hesitations. (v 18-23)

We have a task to "go fishing" - spreading the Good News and making disciples.

April 13th

Hebrews: It's All About Jesus


Embracing God's Disciplice

Hebrews 12:3-11


  • We are engaged in a battle against sin. (v 3-4) Satan hates the body of Christ and sinners.
  • Discipline is the defense God has provided to assist us. (v 5)
  • Discipline is not enacted because He hates us but because He loves us. (v 6)
  • If we do not face discipline, then we do not really belond to Him. (v 7-8)
  • Discipline is not optional, but our response to it is. (v 9-)11

Ask:

  1. Is this discipline a result of my disobedience/sin?
  2. What does God want me to learn from this? Is He training me for something I will face in the future?


Depression Series Notes

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7


A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)


A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression 

2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  

Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening  Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22