MArch 30th

Exercising Christianity...

It takes practice

Philippians 4:1-9


Pastor JD Sluss

  • Paul's life has been filled with many ups and downs.
  • Paul is writing from prison to the church at Philippi.

Five Things Christians need to continually practice


Reconciliation (v 2-3)

Being right is never as important as being in unity with other Christians.


Joy (v 4)

It's more than a feeling. It's an attitude that comes from your walk and relationship with God.


Gentleness (v 5)

How to respectfully but firmly show the love of Chirst to a world that is lost.


Prayer (v 6-7)

We must trust that God hears us and is in control. We are to pray continually and without ceasing.


Focus (v 8)

Will it be: How hard the situation is or how God is walking me through it


Paul's encouragement: We are not in this alone!

  • It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13)
  • We are never practicing in our own power. God will provide what we need. (v 19)

God's power to practice these things comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. 

  • Trust God to empower you to live your life in a way that produces evidene of the fruit of the Spirit for others to see.

MArch 23rd

Hebrews: It's All About Jesus


Characteristics of a

Credible Christian

Hebrews 10:26-39


Credible Christian . . .

  • Recognizes the danger of DELIBERATE sin. (v 26-31)
  • Prioritizes perseverance (v 32-36)
  • Finish by faith. (v 37-38)
  • Hang on to hope. (v 39)

MArch 9th

Leaving Your Legacy

Exodus 35:4-5, 20-29

Exodus 36:2-6


  1. The Lord commanded Moses to take a contribution for the Tabernacle.  Exodus 35:4 Not in the place of a tithe.
  2. Whoever had a willing heart was asked to bring the Lord's contribution. Exodus 35:5 Ask: Am I willing to give?
  3. Not all gifts had the same monetary value, but they all had significant sacrifice. Exodus 35:20-24
  4. There may have been some who could not give materially and gave in talent and skill. Exodus 35:25-29
  5. When the people gave generously and sacrificially, there was more than enough. Exodus 36:3-7

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