Access Church

Nehemiah 1:3-4  //  “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the  province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is  broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’ When I  heard these things I sat down and wept…  Nehemiah 6:15-16  //  “So the wall was completed … in fifty-two days … with the help of  our God.”   Nehemiah 2:20  //  “The God of Heaven will give us success; We his servants will arise  and build.’” 1. God CENTERED (God of Heaven) Nehemiah 1:4-9  //  “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I  mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I  said: ‘Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who  keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his  commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to  hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for  your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites,  including myself and my father’s family,

"Prayer is how we write history before it happens." - Mark Batterson How many of us believe in the power of prayer? 
Do we actually pray like it? James 5:16 //  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)  //  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. “The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked.” - Mark Batterson Following Jesus was never meant to be safe. 3 Dangerous Prayers Acts 4:8-10  //  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Acts 4:13  //  W

Acts 9:10-18  //  Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the r

How do I hear the voice of God? We serve a speaking God. John 10:3-5  //  “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)  //  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Luke 8:8  //  “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” God doesn’t have a speaking problem, we have a listening problem. Luke 8:5-8  //  “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the pla

Psalms 116:12-13  //  How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. Luke 14:25-33  //  Large crowds were traveling with Jesus and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Four things to confirm the real cost The cost to Love the church doesn’t look for a bargain The cost to love the church is daily not one moment in time The cost to love the church doesn't attempt to negotiate Luke 14:28  //  Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough. John 15:18-19  //  If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love, you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chos

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  //  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)  // Never stop praying. “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” ― Martin Luther King Jr “I never pray more than 20 minutes. But I never go more than 20 minutes without praying.” ― Smith Wigglesworth Luke 18:1 (NLT)  //  One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. John 15:4-5  //  Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 1. The Priority of prayer. Daniel 6:10  //  Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he w

2024 can be your best year, if it’s your best year spiritually! Genesis 1:1  //  In the beginning God… Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  //  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14  //  When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Luke 11:1  //  One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray...’” Matthew 6:9-13  //  “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our

Luke 2:10  //  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” All the people 2 Corinthians 5:15  //  He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ Colossians 1:15-18 (MSG)  //  We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible — everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. Invite Jesus to take His rightful place. Involve Him in every area of your life. Ignite a fresh passion to know Him more.

God tricked me Why does God do it for other people, but not me? I gave up asking God I know God can, but He doesn’t seem to care What do you do with your hurt, frustration, and disappointment with God? 1 Samuel 1:6-7 (NLT)  //  So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the LORD had kept her from having children. 7 Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. 1 Samuel 1:8 (NLT)  //  “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” 1 Samuel 1:9-10 (NLT)  //  Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:19 (NLT)  //  The entire family got up early

Forgiving Others Forgiving Me Forgiving God I’ll never forgive myself. There’s no way that God could forgive me. I’m haunted by what I’ve done. Haunted Wraith Wreath Isaiah 1:18 (NLT)  //  “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me...” What do we do with our shame? If our thoughts can be twisted, they can be untwisted. We can bury it. Proverbs 28:13  //  He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but Whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. We beat ourselves up Psalm 38:4, 8 (GNT)  //  I am drowning in the flood of my sins, they are a burden too heavy to bear. Because I have been foolish, I’m utterly worn out and crushed, my heart is troubled. We can blame others. Genesis 3:13  //  The serpent deceived me, and I ate. We can believe God. 2 Corinthians 5:17  //  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ

Forgiving Others Forgiving Myself Forgiving God Isaiah 1:18 NLT  //  “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me...” Luke 17:1, 3-5  //  Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come ... 3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” How do you forgive when you don’t feel like forgiving? Ephesians 4:32  //  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Matthew 6:14-15  //  “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forg

What amazes God? Luke 7:1-10 (NIV)  //  When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was am

Force Multiplier: Something that dramatically increases one’s impact Ephesians 3:20 (LB)  //  Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Play it safe. 1 Samuel 17:32-33 (NLT)  //  “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” 33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” Am I Reasonable or Ridiculous? Acts 3:1-3 (NLT)  //  Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some m

Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)  //  “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” The Gospel of Permission We aren’t guaranteed outcomes, but we are guaranteed access Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)  //  “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Permission should inspire persistence Permission is potential that shouldn’t be wasted 1 Chronicles 4:10 (ESV)  //  “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And

Force Multiplier: Something that dramatically increases one’s impact Ephesians 3:20 (LB)  //  Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Hebrews 11:6  //  Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Romans 1:17  //  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Faith Faith is Seeing From God’s Point of View Faith is not: Desire Pretending that something is true A Feeling Bargaining with God Hebrews 11:1  //  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is a way of seeing. Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)  //  I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that yo

Insecurity:
Lack of Confidence Judges 6:1  //  The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Judges 6:6  //  Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. Judges 6:11-12  //  The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:15-18  //  “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” 17 Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. 18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it be

Anger comes when I feel my right have been violated. Ephesians 4:26-32 (NKJV)  //  “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,  nor give place to the devil.  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Anger leads to sin but is not a sin Being angry is inevitable. Living angry is a choice. Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)  //  and do not give the devil a foothold.  Ancient Greek τόπος (tópos, “place”). “The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you f

“I’m disappointed in you.” DISAPPOINTMENT. Something Someone Things go from bad to worse. Exodus 4:29-5:8  //  Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron told them everything the Lord had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’” Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away

Whack-A-Mole - Knocking Down Stress John 16:33  // “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:7 (LB)  //  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. 1. Refuse to Worry Philippians 4:6  //  Don’t worry about anything… Worry: To strangle or choke Things Jesus said: Worry is Unreasonable Matthew 6:25  //  “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? Worry is Unnatural If worry is learned, it can be un-learned. Matthew 6:26, 28-29  //  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

Daniel 5:1-7  //  King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them.  While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them.  So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.  As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.  Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking. 7 The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this w