COME SEE COME BELONG COME SERVE
COME SEE 40 Day Devo SECTION 1: COME SEE God is 1. Revelation – God reveals Himself to us so that we can know Him. 2. Creator – God is the Creator of all things and His is the King over all His creation. 3. Father – God is revealed as the Father who rules over us and cares for us. 4. Son – God reveals Himself as the Son of the Father to be the Light of the world. 5. Holy Spirit – God is revealed as the Holy Spirit who indwells, empowers, convicts, and guides believers. 6. Attributes 1 (Holy, Righteous, Just) – God shows Himself in the Scriptures as a holy, righteous, and just God. 7. Attributes 2 (Grace, Love, Mercy) – God shows Himself in the Scriptures as a gracious, loving and merciful God.
Worship 8. Glory – Because of who God is and what He has done, He alone deserves praise, glory, and honor. 9. Lordship – Because Jesus is fully God and Creator, He is Lord over all of His creation. 10. Affection – Because of the Lord’s greatness, we love and adore Him. 11. Life of Worship – In response to God’s mercy, we are to live a life of worship. 12. Prayer – Worshipful prayer consists of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
God’s Word 13. Inspiration – God’s Word is God’s perfect, inspired Word for mankind. 14. Means of Salvation – God’s Word is God’s tool used to draw people unto salvation. 15. Means of Sanctification – God’s Word directs our lives towards holiness.
Small Groups 16. Fellowship – Through Jesus, we have fellowship with God and each other. 17. Community – Christianity flourishes in community. 18. Accountability – We need other believers to help us overcome sin. 19. Spiritual Growth – We need other believers to help us fulfill the Christian life. Day 1 God is: Revelation Danae Perkins - Read Romans 1:19-20 God wants us to know Him! That thought is so wonderfully amazing that our minds can’t quite grasp it and our hearts hesitate to believe it. But it is a solid, firm truth we can stand on.
There are three main ways God reveals Himself to us: through His World, His Word, and His Son. The first four verses of Psalm 19 say “the heavens declare His glory and the sky proclaims His handiwork.” It goes on to say that “day and night the created world speaks of Him and reveals knowledge of Him; their voice goes out through all the earth.“ Verses 7 & 8 of Psalm 19 talk about how “His law revives our soul, His testimony makes us wise and His commandments enlighten our eyes.” Then in Hebrews 1:1-3 we read about how “God has spoken to us by Jesus, His Son.” It also mentions “Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature.” John 1:18 also points out that “no one has ever seen God,” but that Jesus, who is at His side, “has made Him known.”
Application Is there a friend or family member who could also be encouraged by how God has revealed Himself to you? Pray for an opportunity to share with them.
How has God shown Himself to you this past week, through His World, His Word, or His Son?
Kids Application How can you see God’s power in His creation? Day 2 God is: Creator Danae Perkins - Read Genesis 1:1-31 The God of infinite wisdom and unparalleled power simply but wonderfully spoke everything we know into existence: day, night, heaven, Earth, sea, plants, trees, sun, moon, and stars (and with them seasons and years), every living thing on Earth and last but not least, humans. Everything He makes, He pronounces “good.” The greatest artist and designer of all time has left His mark on every inch of creation and it reflects His beauty, His creativity, His majesty, His attention to detail, His love, His joy, His grandeur, and His power. In all that He made, we see that He is a God of abundance. He didn’t just provide basic necessities; He filled the earth with good things that would bless us and point us to Him. Romans 11:36 tells us “all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him.“ Colossians 1:16 reiterates this; “all things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:17 states “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.“ “Our Lord and God is worthy to receive glory and honor and power for He created all things and by His will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Application How should we treat each other as precious creations of God and people who bear His image?
Kids Application Spend some time worshiping your Creator. Song suggestions: “You are Amazing God,” “This is My Father’s World,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” Sing along or listen.
Day 3 God is: Father Steve & Becky Hahn - Read Isaiah 64:8 Here we see the acknowledgement that God is the Creator and we are His creatures. A potter creates pottery. Whatever he creates, it will always be his creation, and he can never disown it. We do not create ourselves, for we could never mold ourselves into the perfect vessel that the Potter desires. In like manner, God is our Father. We are His children. A father is always a father, and can never be anything but a father. Imagine his children playing in the yard with the neighboring children. He sees the neighbors acting very good, but his children acting very badly. He is grieved by this and will respond as a father should, with loving discipline. But at the end of the day, when it is time for the children to come in for supper, who does he call inside? The neighbor children? No. He calls his children. The neighbors are not his children. It is not a question of behavior, but of birthright. Just as Israel and Judah sinned, God the Father continually reached out to them to return, as He lovingly does to us. We are always His children and always His perfect creation.
Application What makes us children of God?
What does our Father desire to accomplish in our lives?
Kids Application In what ways does God the Father care for you? Day 4 God is: Son Steve & Becky Hahn - Read John 1:1-18 This is one of the most incredible sections of Scripture in the Bible, for it makes clear that Jesus is the manifestation of God in the flesh. This manifestation is the revelation of the God-Man. Fully God and fully man. Jesus is the only one of His kind, the only One who will ever be fully God and fully man. This is why He is the only One (in His manifestation as the Son) who completely understands what it is like to be both God and man. John refers to Him as the “Light.” A common misconception by those who like plants, is that plants get their food from the soil. A botanist knows that this is not true. Plants generate their own food through photosynthesis, a process that requires light. Without light, a plant will starve to death, regardless of the soil condition. Jesus is our Light. He is our food source. He is the Living Word. Always remember that the Living Word is the One who makes the written Word come to life. Without the light of Jesus, we would surely starve to death, for He is the One who gives us what we truly need for life.
Application Why do you think that Jesus was both God and man?
Jesus said that He was the Light. In what ways can this be a practical truth for us?
Kids Application How can Jesus guide you, like a light guides you in the darkness?
Day 5 God is: Holy Spirit Ethan Springer - Read John 16:4b-15 Imagine for a moment, being a disciple who has surrendered everything you have or know to follow the one who is the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, as He tells you His ministry on Earth will soon be ending and that He’ll be going away. No wonder John tells us that sorrow filled the disciples’ hearts (v6). I can only imagine the questions I would have about my life choices. “What do I do now?” would be primary among them. Jesus even tells His disciples that He has more to say to them, but that the message would have to wait because they weren’t ready to hear it (v12). Graciously, Jesus doesn’t leave His disciples or us in the state of sorrow we might feel if we were following an absent God. Instead, He gives us an infinite hope when He promises the presence of an eternal member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. Consider the words of Jesus when He tells them it is to their advantage (as well as ours) that He would go and the Holy Spirit would come. The implications are far reaching for us as disciples of Christ. The One to come would be a helper, comfort and counselor as we continue in the Gospel mission. Those attributes of Holy Spirit aren’t to make us feel good about ourselves as we expectantly await Christ’s return. Instead, we should be bolstered for the mission boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus and expectant that the third member of the Godhead would do all Jesus promises and sent Him to do.
Application Does my walk with God reflect a relationship with the Holy Spirit being my guide, help, comfort and counselor?
Am I partnering in the Gospel mission, entrusting the Holy Spirit to draw sinners to God by the testimony I share?
Kids Application How does the Holy Spirit help you? Day 6 God is: Holy, Righteous, Just Nicole Howlett - Read Psalm 103:1-22 If you were to Google the definition for the word ‘attribute,’ you would get a result of “a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.” So when God’s attributes are revealed to us through Scripture, they are the inherent characteristics of God. God is holy. We can trust and depend on God because He is holy. “There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2) God is righteous. He is not measured by the standard of righteousness but He sets the standard for righteousness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) God is just. His righteousness is synonymous with His justice “Righteousness and justice are the foundation for Your throne, steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.” (Psalms 89: 14)
Application How can knowing and understanding God’s divine attributes bring you comfort and peace in Him this week?
Kids Application What makes God special to you? Spend some time praising God for who He is.
Day 7 God is: Grace, Love, Mercy Nicole Howlett - Read Psalm 103:1-22 Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve. And we are given both grace and mercy all because of God’s love for us. God is gracious. Every action of God toward us involves His grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it’s a gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) God is loving. God does not only give love, He is the source of love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God is merciful. God’s mercy is shown through our salvation. And He continually shows mercy and forgiveness. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5) When we look at last week’s attributes (justice, righteous and holy), these do not contradict each other but each individual attribute of God is closely associated with the others.
Application How will this change how you praise God this week?
Kids Application Worship and thank God for His gift of mercy, love and grace. Day 8 Worship: Glory Ethan Springer - Read Revelation 4:11 We are fortunate to call Colorado home. There aren’t many places where you can experience true wild places like the Colorado wilderness. Even if you wouldn’t classify yourself as an “outdoorsy person,” we would be hard pressed not to stop and gaze at the beauty of the sun setting over the western landscape. These same sentiments seem to be shared by an abundance of people as they flock to our state and I often wonder if they recognize that the beauty we see, is just a glimpse into God’s glory. Not only is it just a glimpse but the vision they see is distorted as well. This isn’t the case for John in Revelation 4. The vision he sees is the full glory of God on His throne. Peals of thunder, flashes of lightning, torches of fire, emerald rainbows, jasper and carnelian are the words John could muster to describe the scene, but the true revealed glory of God is found in the worship of Him by the residents of Heaven. “Day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ (v8) and ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’” (v11). The residents of Heaven are never found marveling solely in God’s creation. Instead, they worship the Lord for who He really is, the one true God who is the only one worthy of the glory and worship we would give.
Application What has God done in my life that should warrant my life of worship?
How can I ascribe glory to God today and give Him my true praise?
Kids Application What does it mean to worship God? Day 9 Worship: Lordship Kathy Lopez - Read Colossians 1:15-20 Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have peace with God, are given security in Him, and Jesus is fully God and Creator and Lord over all of creation. Because Christ is God, Creator and Head of the church, we are to worship, serve, and obey Him. He is our Creator, and we should be thankful that He loves us so much that He would become one of us and die for our sins, so we could have a continuing relationship with Him. What a powerful thought! Nothing could be more meaningful than knowing our King Jesus is God in the flesh come to free us from the power of darkness. God is fully revealed in Jesus and God becomes known when we behold the wonder and the glory of the world Jesus created. We will then worship and honor Him all the more!
Application What should be our response to Christ as Head of the church?
What should be our response to Christ as God and Creator?
Kids Application Jesus wants to be the most important person in your life. How can you make Him first?
Day 10 Worship: Affection Kathy Lopez - Read Psalm 146:1-10 “Joyful are those who have God as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
His greatness is displayed through the mighty works of His hands, in which He made Heaven and Earth, the sea and everything in them. Because of His faithfulness and love, He keeps every promise forever. Our Lord cares for those who are hungry and will feed them. He will lighten our burdens because our God cares and protects.
Praise Him with love and adoration! Come, my whole being, my soul, my all, be all aflame with love and joyful adoration! Let us stand with hands raised high and singing with our hearts to our great God, Savior of our souls!
Application When times seem uncertain, how do you depend on God’s faithfulness?
How do we show our confidence in God? How do we know He cares for us?
Kids Application How can you show God that you love Him? Day 11 Worship: Life of Worship Al Harinck - Read Romans 12:1-2 Mercy has been described in simple terms as “not giving you what you deserve.” God has given us His ultimate mercy (from His eternal wrath) by offering His Son as a sacrifice to the world for our salvation. For Christians, God asks that our worship includes sacrificing ourselves to God’s use. This sacrifice is to be our whole bodies: physical body, mind, heart, and spirit, which is to remain pure and undefiled as His sacrifice was. God only accepts this purity as a true sacrifice. He does not want the rubbish that infiltrates our bodies. Like His Son’s sacrifice, once we offer our sacrifice, it no longer belongs to us and cannot be taken back.
Application Thinking back at the time of Paul, the writer of this Scripture, what was the Christians view of sacrifice?
Am I offering a sacrifice in my worship of God?
Am I meeting God’s standard for the sacrifice I am offering Him daily? What more does God desire from me?
Kids Application What is the best gift that you can give to God? Day 12 Worship: Prayer Al Harinck - Read Mathew 6:5-15 When Jesus was asked by His disciples “Lord teach us to pray,” He responded by telling them what we know as the “Lord’s Prayer.” Christ instructs us to pray to Him at all times, by His teaching and example, unceasingly, not just in our difficult times when we rely on Him for help. He said our prayers should contain four elements. Adoration is the first piece of our prayer, giving God our praise for His majesty and our love for Him. Secondly, we are to confess our sins before Him, seeking His forgiveness. Thanksgiving is another essential part of our prayers. God knows what He has done for us, but He wants to hear from us that we have not taken for granted everything He has provided; our worldly needs and His answers to our requests. Likewise, even though God knows our desires, He wants to hear from our hearts those supplications and intercessions for others.
Application How do you suppose the disciples reacted and responded to Jesus’ teaching on prayer?
How am I seeking intimacy with God in my prayer life?
How can I use the Lord’s Prayer as a template for my praying?
Kids Application In prayer, how can you show God how much you love Him, how you need His forgiveness, how thankful you are to Him, how you need Him? Day 13 God’s Word: Inspiration Landis Elder - Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that the Bible is God’s perfect, inspired Word for mankind. “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” It is from this phrase that we get this theological concept and biblical doctrine of inspiration of Scripture. Many of the translations that you are using translated this word, “breathed” as “inspired.” Paul says that all of the Scripture is “theopneustos.” It is theos – God and pneuma – breath, wind, or spirit. Paul coins a new word to describe the uniqueness of the Scriptures. By describing Scripture in this way, Paul is saying that every single word written down on the pages of Scripture is breathed out by God.
Since Scripture is breathed out by God, then it is first and foremost from God and it is about God. Scripture is God’s self-revelation to fallen mankind. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His truth, His character, His attributes, and His divine plan for the redemption of mankind. The Bible is not a collection of the wisdom and insights of man, even godly men. It is God’s truth, His own Word in His own words. It is God breathed; God speaking to us all, through His Word. And since that is the case, then doesn’t that change the way we come to Scripture? Shouldn’t this change the way we interact with the Bible? Am I offering a sacrifice in my worship of God?
Application How would you describe your view of the Scriptures? How does your view match Paul’s description?
What prevents you from interacting with God’s Word?
Kids Application Since God wrote the Bible, how can you know more about Him? Day 14 God’s Word: Means of Salvation Landis Elder - Read Romans 10:14-17 The book of Romans is a fascinating book. Throughout the book Paul is making an argument for necessity of the Gospel. The argument goes like this: All people have heard about God and rejected Him; God has rightfully condemned all people; God has made a way of salvation for all people; But people must hear the message of salvation to benefit from it. Paul says, in Romans 10:14, “How, then, can they call on him whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” Notice how Paul connects hearing to believing. It is God’s plan for people to come to faith in Jesus Christ through hearing the Word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) Without the preached or declared Word of God, there can be no faith. In other words, God’s Word is the tool that God uses to draw people unto salvation. God has given us His perfect and inspired Word not only for the benefit of the Christian to grow into Christlikeness, but for the benefit of non-Christians, to hear and learn about Christ’s offer of salvation. The Bible is not only a tool for sanctification but a tool in salvation. It is by the declared Word of Christ that people hear the Gospel and respond in faith.
Application According to Romans 10:14-16, what is the responsibility of every Christian?
Pray that God would send you, like those mentioned in Romans 10.
Kids Application The Bible teaches us how to have a relationship with Jesus. What does it means to have a relationship with Jesus? Day 15 God’s Word: Means of Sanctification Steve Hall - Read Psalm 119:9-16 So many times in life we are searching for the perfect direction to make ourselves better human beings. God’s definition of “better” is “holiness.” On our own, this is unattainable, but through Him it is achievable. Surrendering our lives to Christ starts a life changing transformation of becoming more like Jesus. This is a process that we must work through daily, in order to reach the goal of becoming like Him. Eph. 5:1-2 commands us to be like Him, “imitators.” And to be like Him, “sanctified” and “holy,” we must truly know Him. This process of becoming more like Him is a daily work in progress with a completion date only when we stand before Him face-to-face. God did not just save us and then leave us to wander aimlessly. He knows who we are deep down inside and He knows we cannot do this on our own. He gave us complete instructions to assist us and a Helper to guide us through this journey of becoming more like Him. In everything we do, we are to seek Him through His Word. Meditate, rejoice and cherish the treasures found in His Word. Ask that He be revealed to you in the pages of Scripture so that you can be more like Him. Why like Jesus? To reach a world that is lost and dying without hope. Many will perish eternally unless they see HIM living in us and through us, “imitators” of Christ.
Application We are to become more like Christ every day, more like Him in our love, our morals, our actions, our responses. When people look at us, and as we look at ourselves, who do we and others see?
Kids Application The Bible shows us how we can look and live more like Jesus. How can you look and live more like Jesus? Day 16 Small Groups: Fellowship Steve Hall - Read 1 John 1:1-4 From the beginning of creation being part of a family has been the plan all along. God saw in His creation that being alone was not a good idea, thus He created a partner for Adam in Eve. The fellowship that Adam and Eve had with God as He spent time with them in the Garden (Gen. 3:8) must have been amazing. And the severing of that relationship because of sin was even more devastating. Throughout Scripture we find the Word of God leading us back to restoring that relationship as it was intended to be. Not only fellowshipping with Our Heavenly Father, but also with fellow believers, those who are born again. There is joy and comfort in knowing that what was to be has been restored through the cross with the plan of salvation. Since we have seen true fellowship displayed by Christ through His disciples, and we have heard and read the stories of both Old Testament and New Testament, they should inspire us on our journey to eternity. Today, more than ever we need a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and we need more than ever a close fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Can you imagine what God would allow us to do for the kingdom if we were truly loving Him and loving each other as it was intended to be? As 1 John 1:4 states, “Our joy may be made complete.”
Application For the Believer: What is it in your life today that may be causing your fellowship with God or fellow believers to be severed or blocked?
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, restoring the relationship?
Kids Application When Jesus saves us, He gives us a family of faith called the church. Share the story when you accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation. If you have not yet acccepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, what is stopping you from making that decision? Day 17 Small Groups: Community Bill Fugitt - Read Acts 4:32-35 Can the power of the early church be replicated? The simple answer is that God can overcome anything. Imagine for a moment in our society today, selling everything, not holding back, placing things in one ‘pool’ so everyone could share and have what is needed. Sounds amazing? I would never say that God couldn’t make it happen. There is a difference between “wants” and “needs.” Could you ever give up all your wants to be happy with just your needs? Is it a selfish question or a selfish answer? Doesn’t God want to give us the desires of our heart?
The early church was unified and I believe it was more spiritual than churches of today, but that doesn’t mean we are not able or capable to take care of others. We all have more, more than someone else somewhere. We are blessed beyond belief and if we ever stopped to “count our blessings,” I believe we could find within us to give out of our wants to those in need. Ask God, seek His face for what He wants you to give, and yes, it may be more than what you think you can, but He will never forget your willingness to serve those in need!
Application How has God blessed you? How could you bless Him by giving it back to someone in need?
There are many needs in our community. Would you ask the Holy Spirit to show you these needs and to enable you to meet them?
Kids Application What are some ways that you can give to help others? Day 18 Small Groups: Accountability Bill Fugitt - Read Galatians 6:1-2 Why are we, believers, so shocked when another believer sins? Romans 3:23 is very clear that “all men (and women) sin and fall short of the glory of God,” yet when a believer sins, we tend to overreact. We are in shock and disbelief! And Lord help the Pastor, Deacon, Trustee, Teacher, or Staff member who falls short or stumbles. Paul is quick to encourage us, as believers to restore them. This word “restore” is a picture of a doctor fixing a broken leg, setting it back in place so that it can heal properly, and once again be productive and supportive. He continues to say restore him “gently” or “with meekness”. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. As redeemed people, we should know and understand the power of forgiveness, more than the world, so let us show that to one another. The world enjoys condemning those who stumble and fall. As fellow brothers, let us show the love and kindness that we have been shown. Lest you forget, Romans 3:23, it’s not a matter of IF, but more a matter of WHEN that we too will need that restoring and repair and then, we too will be in desperate need of being handled with gentleness.
Application Who is it that God is placing on your heart to go and help in gentleness and help restore?
Who can you trust to ask for help and allow yourself to heal?
Kids Application God puts other Christians in our life to help us love Jesus more. Who are some of the Christians who help you love Jesus more? Day 19 Small Groups: Spiritual Growth J.J. Mclallen - Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 As geese fly south for the winter, they fly in that iconic V formation. Every goose gets to spend roughly the same amount of time in each position in the V as the very last goose, somewhere in the middle, or lead goose. The lead goose works harder because there is no one in front to create any uplift for that position. When they tire, they simply rotate back into the formation to take advantage of the new leader’s rejuvenated strength. But while not in the lead, the following geese honk “words” of encouragement to the lead goose, spurring this new leader to keep up the pace. The Church could take a word of encouragement from the geese. As Paul writes in 1 Thes 5:9-11, we should “encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are doing.” The “therefore” in this passage tells us to look back at the previous verse. Our destiny is not wrath, but salvation through Christ. The destination of the geese is either breeding grounds in the north or the warm fields of the south in winter. Our destination is eternal life through Christ. We must remind each other of this through words of encouragement.
Application Who in our church or your small group do you feel needs a word of encouragement? Pray that the Lord will lay someone on your heart and then follow through.
Do you feel like you are falling out of formation and can’t keep up with the flock? Who do you feel can help you catch up? Pray for another believer to come alongside you and help you out.
Kids Application Who is your lead goose? How can you give them a “honk” of encouragement?
COME BELONG 40 Day Devo SECTION 2: COME BELONG Salvation 20. Humanity – All of humanity is created in the image of God. 21. Sin – All of humanity has sinned against God and deserves death and separation from a relationship with our Creator. 22. Substitution – Jesus died to bear the punishment for my sin. 23. Faith/Repentance – My role in salvation is placing faith in Him and repenting of my sins. 24. Justification – By the work of Jesus, we are brought into a right relationship with God and have peace with Him. 25. Preservation – Our eternal salvation is secured in Christ. 26. Sanctification/Glorification – The life of the believer is a process of becoming more like Jesus.
Baptism 27. Baptism – Believers are commanded to be baptized after they have accepted Christ. 28. Lord’s Supper – Believers are commanded to take the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He returns.
Partnership 29. Church – The church is the collection of the eternal saints. 30. Gather – The church is commanded to gather together. 31. Unity – The church, although comprised of many parts, is unified by Christ for the purpose of the Kingdom. 32. Great Commission – The church is called to make disciples around the world. Day 20 Salvation: Humanity J.J. Mclallen - Read 1 Genesis 1:26-27 Have you ever listened intently to a piece of music? Stared at a painting? Eaten food prepared by a master chef? Benefited from the advances in medicine? Behind each of these things, something else was created - a musical instrument; canvas, paint, and brushes; vegetables and meat; even ancient discoveries of medicine that have led to today’s knowledge.
The above examples describe one of mankind’s greatest responsibilities, the reflection of the image of God in us, by continuing the further creation of God’s creation. Today’s passage states that we were given dominion over the entire Earth, and this is carried out no better than when we: 1st) worship God and God only and 2nd) continue to create new things out of what God has given us. Adam’s first act was to name the animals, the first step in this task of continuing creation.
The most amazing thing? All 7 billion people on this planet have this in common, re- gardless of ethnicity, background, race, or age, we are all created in the image of God.
Application Read Gal 3:28 - How do these two passages agree with each other?
How can we share the love of Christ with others in light of what these passages say?
Kids Application God loves and cares for all human beings. How can we love others the same way that He loves us?
Day 21 Salvation: Sin Tony & Lornel Breen - Read Romans 3:23, 6:23 Jesus suffered the judgment of death for my sins. God demonstrated His love for me by having His own Son, Jesus, take the judgment for my sin on Himself. He took my place. (II Cor. 5:20) The greatest exchange in history was Jesus on the cross, receiving God’s judgment for the sins of mankind, and giving to those who receive Jesus, His righteousness, in place of our sins. (II Cor. 5:20, Rom. 4:25, Rom. 5:1,17) When we believe on Jesus, and receive Him as our Savior, we receive many gifts: (1) eternal life (Rom. 6:23, I John 5:11-13), (2) everlasting life (John 3:16, 36), (3) peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1), and (4) receiving God’s favor. (Rom. 5:2) We become a son or daughter in God’s family. (John 1:12, Rev. 3:20)
Application Who are the people who experience the second death, which the Bible talks about? (Rev. 20:14-15, 21:8, II Thess. 1:7-9)
How do I know that I have eternal life? (I John 4:13, 5:10-13)
Kids Application Jesus died to save me from my sin. What is sin? What sins do you want to confess? Day 22 Salvation: Substitution Tony & Lornel Breen - Read Romans 5:8 Romans 3:23 tells us that every human being born into this world has sinned against God. You may say, “What does it mean that everyone has sinned?” We have offended God by doing that which is not right in His eyes. (I John 5:17) Romans 6:23 tells us that our sins have a consequence of death. People die physically because of the choice Adam and Eve made when they disobeyed God and ate of the fruit they were commanded not to eat. There is a second death for all those who have not received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (II Thess. 1:7-9, Rev. 21:8) We become a member of God’s family by receiving Jesus Christ into our lives. (John 1:12, John 4:24, Rev. 3:20) We then have God’s gift of eternal life. (I John 5:12-13)
Application How do I receive the gift of eternal life?
How do I become born into God’s family?
Kids Application Why do you think that Jesus died for you?
Day 23 Salvation: Faith/Repentance Doug Jay - Read 1 John 1:9, Ephesians 2:8-9 These two passages are the essence of our required response to the Gospel. Faith/ Repentance is turning from our sin through confession and turning to Christ through faith. Neither can occur without the other, and neither is possible through our own strength. Both are a gift from God. Personal saving faith is placing our trust in Jesus Christ as a living person for the forgiveness of sin and for eternal life with God. But it goes much deeper than that. It is trusting His Word as recorded in Scripture, His promises of hope, sanctification and glorification, as well as His promises of judgment for all who reject Him. Confession of our sins must be the result of heartfelt repentance, renouncing our sin and a sincere commitment to walk in obedience to Christ. This response to the Gospel is not only a one time event. True believers must continue to live by faith in Christ to provide for our needs and empower us to live the Christian life with a heartfelt repentance for the sins we have committed.
Application How much of your Christian walk is driven by your own efforts versus reliance on Him?
Have faith and repentance remained the driving force in your life, or have those attitudes grown weak over time?
Kids Application Why do you think Jesus died on the cross and was raised (resurrected) from the grave? Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart? Day 24 Salvation: Justification Doug Jay - Read Romans 5:1-11 Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have peace with God, are given security in Him, and we mature through the suffering we encounter in this world. This peace with God is the direct result of being justified by faith. Our sins have not merely been forgiven, they have been wiped away. We stand before God not guilty because we have received Christ’s righteousness. We stand before Him as beloved children, eternally secure. We can therefore rejoice in the trials we face in this world knowing He loves us and in His hands our suffering is of lasting value. Though we were helpless, ungodly sinners, enemies of God, Christ died for us, justifying us by His blood and saving us from His wrath. What God alone has done, cannot be undone. Nothing in this life can cause us to lose our security.
Application What “good works” are you depending on to reconcile you with God?
What does it mean to have peace with God?
Kids Application Why do you think Jesus’ death on the cross wipes away your sins?
Day 25 Salvation: Preservation Steve & Terri Hellmann - Read John 10:27-30 Those who put their faith and eternal destiny in the death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, come into a relationship with Jesus that is best depicted by a shepherd and his sheep. When a shepherd speaks, his sheep hear his voice, understand him, and obey him. When Jesus speaks, a believer hears and obeys Him. When a sheep is in danger, the shepherd is willing to give his life and even leave other sheep to protect the one in danger. Such is the case with believers. When we stray, Jesus goes after us and will go to great lengths to protect us and bring us back. When we come to faith in Jesus, nothing we can do and nothing Satan can do, can take us to where Jesus Christ can’t reach us and restore us.“Neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ.” (Romans 8:35) This is a joint work of the Trinity. The Father and Jesus are one, and our salvation is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise at the time of salvation. (Ephesians 1:13) Jesus knows us because the Spirit of God lives in us. At that moment, our sins are forgiven and we receive the gift of eternal life in Heaven when we die. Nothing we can ever do will change our identity in Christ.
Application Do you have the assurance of knowing you belong to Jesus and nothing can ever change that?
In what way is your life different now, after giving your life to the Lord Jesus Christ?
Kids Application How do your actions show others that you belong to Jesus? Day 26 Salvation: Sanctification/Glorification Steve & Terri Hellmann - Read Colossians 3:1-4 When we put our faith in the redemptive work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are declared to be righteous before God. Romans 3:24-25a says, “and being justi- fied freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith….” The former life we lived to please ourselves, gives way to a new life, walking by faith in Jesus. Sanctification is the process God uses to make us holy and set us apart. We cannot purify ourselves. God’s grace sanctifies and cleanses us from sin. We used to walk in sinful ways, satisfying our lust, but now that we have a new identity in Christ, we have freedom through being filled with the Holy Spirit, not to sin. “Take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires…be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and…put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” (Eph 4:22-24) We gain the truth and seek those things above, by spending time daily reading the Bible and cleansing our thoughts from the ideas of this world. Our speech and behavior need to show that we belong to Christ. “A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Luke 6:44-45
Application What part of your old self needs to be thrown out?
What benefits do we receive when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts? (Romans 8:1-6)
Kids Application How can you look more like Jesus in how you act? Day 27 Baptism: Baptism Bill Winter - Read Romans 6:3-6 In Matthew 28:18-20, we find the “Great Commission.” In verse 19, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciple of all peoples, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” What is baptism? The original word is “baptizo,”a Greek word meaning to immerse in water as in washing clothing or vegetables. For the believer, what does this action mean? The Apostle Paul gave us a theological explanation in Romans 6:3-6; “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.” In application, this is obviously a symbolic death, identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection. It is also an external visual of what has happened internally where no one can see. Being “born again” is an internal spiritual birth which no one can see (see John 3:1-17). Baptism displays publicly what has taken place internally and invisibly. It is vitally important that all believers be baptized.
Application What is my understanding of baptism? Why is it necessary for me to be baptized?
What is being portrayed by baptism?
Kids Application What is baptism? Can a kid be baptized? Day 28 Baptism: Lord’s Supper Bill Winter - Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Believers are commanded to take the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He returns. Jesus instituted what we call “The Lord’s Supper.” We can read about this in Matthew 26:26-28, in Mark 14:22-24, and in Luke 22:19-20. The Apostle Paul gives us an expanded instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34. Jesus called this a “New Cove- nant.” The previous covenant was made by God with the descendants of Abraham and was symbolized by the Passover remembrance, in which the first born of the Israelites were saved from death and the entire nation of Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt. Similarly, Jesus gave His body and spilled His blood to save all believers from their sin and eternal death. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the ransom to give eternal life for anyone who accepts it. Jesus used the bread to symbolize His body that would be slain in substitution for anyone who accepts it. Also, His blood was spilled to pay for the sins of all humans who accept it. Thus, Jesus set up a memorial to remember what He did. He commanded us to do this as a memorial of remembrance but also a testimony of the sure return of Christ in victory to receive those who have trusted in Him (see John 3:16-17). This is to be a recurring, but unspecified frequency “as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
Application What are the elements of the Lord’s Supper? What two things do these elements symbolize?
What two events does the partaking of the Lord’s Supper commemorate?
Kids Application What does Jesus say the bread and the wine represent? Day 29 Partnership: Church Lee Lovegren - Read Ephesians 2:17-22 We are disciples of Christ. That relationship is based on the Gospel message that God reconciled us to Him through the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. As stated in Philippians 4:6, through that relationship, we can “let our requests be made known to God” through the access we have in the Holy Spirit. In and of ourselves we are not worthy to come into the presence of the Lord. Our belief of, and faith in, the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross gives us that access to God’s Kingdom. All believers are truly part of the family of God. That family has a rich history based on Jesus and is further displayed through the apostles and the prophets. God’s plan builds on that basis and perfectly fits together all aspects of His creation to fulfill His divine will – both today and for all eternity. Verse 21 speaks of a “holy temple in the Lord.” Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we, as believers, are part of that temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19) As we daily seek His guidance, let us remember all those who have gone before us and the heavenly sacrifice that was made in our place.
Application The text describes a God ordained organization based on His righteousness. What in our lives can hinder the Gospel message and affect our relationship with God?
Each day is a part of our walk with the Lord. As we continually meet and interact with others, how can we effectively share our relationship with Christ?
Kids Application What is your favorite thing about being a part of the church? Day 30 Partnership: Gather Lee Lovegren - Read Hebrews 10:24-25 In our modern society, we are constantly communicating with each other through electronic means. Examples of this are: radio, TV, texts, email, Facebook, Twitter, Zoom meetings, etc. During 2020, due to COVID-19, there were periods of time when almost all of our interaction with others was accomplished over a phone or computer. As the months passed, we saw more and more news reports of people wanting to get out of their homes and become part of society once again. We wanted to be in the company of others! Part of human nature is the desire for contact with our friends and neighbors. Marriage is certainly an example of meeting that need. Through the annals of world history, the marriage relationship has been a constant part of human society. The gath- ering of the church, just like marriage, is part of God’s plan. As we spend time with each other, we encourage one another in the various aspects of the Christian life. We share our faith in, and knowledge of, the Gospel. We all have difficult times. We all have highs and lows. As individuals and families, we struggle and rejoice throughout the battles we face across the decades of our lives. Meeting together does not make our problems go away, but we can love and hold each other up as we face them together. As “iron sharp- ens iron,” as we gather, we will mature and grow together in the Christian life.
Application When have you found yourself seeking the company of other Christians?
Society has recently drifted further and further from biblical principles. If the church adapts a “worship from your sofa” approach to church life, what do you foresee are the consequences for Christians as individuals and for the church as body of believers?
Kids Application Why is it important to go to church? Day 31 Partnership: Unity Kathy Beach - Read Ephesians 4:11-16 In my high school marching band, members played different types of instruments including brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Each instrument group played a slightly different part. Everyone had a marching route to follow which was slightly different from others. But altogether, as each one performed his/her part, the music flowed, and the field show combined many different moves to perform the formations. A marching band is an illustration of how the church should function. We, too, are a group of players coming together for a common purpose so that we will grow together in our love for Jesus, in our love for each other, and to accomplish the mission of introducing people to Christ. Christ has put our church together and He is the Head. We can create beautiful music when we all function together. Paul’s instructions call for an intentional effort to maintain the unity of the group by expressing support and encouragement for one another. We are to do it in unity and in love. The job of the leaders is to equip. But ultimately, each member must commit to giving time and energy to the ministries God has given. Just like in the band, each of us has a responsibility to Riverside to discover our own gifts and to practice them effectively and to make our own contribution as God has intended. In the body of Christ, and in the body of Riverside, everybody is a somebody.
Application How would you describe unity in the church?
How are you building up the church family?
Kids Application How does following Jesus bring us together? Day 32 Partnership: Great Commission Kathy Beach - Read Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission. Six years ago, my son was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. At that commissioning, he agreed to “well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office, so help me God.” For generations, men and women have served our nation by faithfully executing military missions which are defined as “an operation that’s assigned by a higher headquarters.” In Matthew 28, we are at the end of the Gospel story and we hear the last words of Jesus to His disciples. He sent them out to make all the world His disciples. Since Jesus’ words apply to us today, He commissions US, as believers, to execute this same mission. He commands us to GO and accomplish the assignment of making DISCIPLES. Disciples, just like soldiers, are trained by other disciples. They are “made” by believers being involved in their lives and by equipping them with the necessary tools for the task. In the Bible, we see Jesus reaching out to overlooked individuals. He loves them, calls them out, and then watches as they are transformed. We should follow His example. The next command in the Great Commission is to go to ALL NATIONS; don’t let cultural or geographical boundaries hold you back. People from all nations can be found right here in Denver, even in our own neighborhoods. Our mission begins right here at home. Finally, every new soldier is taught to obey the commands of his or her commanding officer. Jesus says to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you….” Making disciples is a process. It includes teaching how to study, pray, worship, and how to live for Christ in obedience. When the mission seems daunting, we can hold onto Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always….”
Application What am I doing to grow as a disciple of Christ? While I acknowledge that I’m imperfect, just as the first 12 disciples were, am I willing to accept the mission of spreading the Gospel? Who does God want me to start discipling now?
Kids Application Who are the people in your life that you would like to tell about Jesus?
COME SERVE 40 Day Devo SECTION 3: COME SERVE Disciple 33. Spiritual Gifts – The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts for the work of ministry and the building up of the church. 34. Serving – We have been saved to serve. 35. Giving – Giving to God is an act of obedience, faith and worship. 36. Studying – A life saturated in the Scriptures will flourish. 37. Spiritual Warfare – We are equipped by God’s provision to fight against the schemes of the devil. Make Disciples 38. Evangelism – God has prepared a plentiful harvest for those who will share the Gospel. 39. Leadership – Disciples of Christ set an example of spiritual maturity. 40. Replicate – Disciples replicate their transformed in the lives of others. Day 33 Disciple: Spiritual Gifts Rose Fresquez - Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 This example helps me grasp the concept of spiritual gifts: You’re at a party with several people in attendance. A six-year-old has an ice cream cone in hand and a wide grin spreads across his face as he walks to a chair several feet away. But he suddenly trips over a rock and the ice cream topples to the ground. Distraught, he starts crying.
“Are you okay?” This comes from one gifted with mercy, crouching to the child’s level and wrapping arms to comfort him, or even offering to get him another ice cream cone.
The administrator will take charge of the situation and begin delegating: “Can someone get some napkins please?” or “Someone find the waiter to have the mess cleaned up!”
“Paper towels, coming right up!” shouts someone with the gift of service, who then drops to the ground and starts cleaning the mess.
Whereas the teacher will remind the child the best way to safely carry an ice cream cone, to avoid spilling it next time.
It is clear that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people, gifts which, when combined together, can accomplish one common goal.
Everyone in the example above was able to contribute in a different way. The same applies to your responsibility in the church. Just imagine how hard it would be for a church to function if everyone was a pastor. The church needs prayer leaders, nursery workers, greeters, ushers, and any gifts that you can offer. There’s no gift too small.
Application Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If you have an idea of your spiritual gifts, how can you best use them in the church and in everyday life?
Kids Application Jesus has given you a special gift to help others. What do you think your gift may be? Day 34 Disciple: Serving Rose Fresquez - Read Galations 5:13-14 Children of God are called to freedom and are no longer bound to the worldly standard of gaining approval by works. While the world’s standard of expressing freedom is motivated by self-fulfillment, God’s children are to express freedom through service.
Christ freed us so that we can serve one another. Therefore we have an obligation to each other through service, by loving others the way Christ loved us. In other words, service is an expression of love and when we truly love someone, we will, in essence, fulfill the whole law.
While we are called to freedom, we’re held accountable for how we use it.
Prayer point: Dear Lord, Help me see my freedom coming from Your hand and use it in obedience by serving others for Your glory.
Application Has there been a time when you were striving for freedom and it was motivated by selfish desires? If so, what lesson did you learn?
The Bible instructs us to use our freedom to serve others. How do we become free to serve?
Kids Application What can you do to help someone today? Day 35 Disciple: Giving Bob & Gale Vanooyen - Read Malachi 3:8-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 In the Old Testament, tithes were one sign of faith that God would provide for His people and also served a practical purpose to support priests and allow them to minister to the people. There was a room in the temple used to store the tithes of crops and animals that people brought. If these supplies were to drop to a low level, the ministry of the temple could be hindered. When people hold back their tithe, they are not only hurting the ministry of God, but they are robbing God. We are told to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. God says that if we do that, He will bless us with overflowing blessings. If we give sparingly, our blessings will be small.
As New Testament Christians, we give in response to what Jesus did for us on the cross; we don’t tithe just out of responsibility. We give with a cheerful heart. It is a planned, purposeful act, given with thought. As we do so, God will pour out His grace on us and will lavishly bless us, so our needs are met and we can continue doing the good work of the Gospel.
Application When have you trusted God with your giving, even when it did not make sense financially?
What is your heart condition when you tithe?
Kids Application What is something that you can give to your church? Day 36 Disciple: Studying Bob & Gale Vanooyen - Read Psalm 1:3-5 Trees in the arid desert of Israel represented blessing, strength and endurance. The tree spoken of in this passage was transplanted by the rivers of water in order for it to live and thrive. Salvation is the means to transplant us from a dry, fruitless, sinful life to one sustained by God’s grace. Actively reading and studying God’s Word daily, enables us to be prosperous and fruitful as we grow in Christ. This enables our roots to go down deeply as we are fed by the life-giving Word of God. People will see the fruit of the Spirit as we let Him flow through us. We are not blown away by the wind, as chaff, as the ungodly, but sustained by the flowing waters of God’s grace.
Application How is God’s Word sustaining you?
Would people be drawn to your fruit, or are your leaves withered?
Kids Application What kind of tree are you – strong with deep roots and full of leaves or a tiny sapling barely standing against the wind? How can you become a strong tree? Day 37 Disciple: Spiritual Warfare Joshua Van Hal - Read Ephesians 6:10-18 Did you know that we are in the middle of a battle? Have you chosen to stay in the trenches? God created you to be a warrior! God has equipped us to be able to fight in the spiritual battle that wages on all around us. You will encounter spiritual forces of evil in your life and it is important that you are prepared. In this list of war equipment, there is only one piece that is an offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Do you know that you have, in your arsenal, a weapon that you can rely on to destroy temptations when they come, twisted theology, pride, and all things that don’t honor God? Take advantage of this Weapon and absorb it into your life with great fervor.
Application How do you prepare yourself each day for the certain battle?
What promises in Scripture can you use during times of temptation?
Kids Application What part of the armor of God is most exciting to you? Day 38 Make Disciples: Evangelism Joshua Van Hal - Read Matthew 9:37-38 We know that about 96% of people living in Colorado don’t have any religious affiliation! What a plentiful harvest we have a responsibility for! We should certainly be praying for laborers for the harvest! Do you know that you also have another responsibility? If you have been saved by Jesus, He has asked you to share the Gospel! Did you know that sharing the Gospel isn’t opening the door for someone, or telling someone you are a Christian or having a Bible on your desk, but it is simply just sharing the Gospel. The Gospel is the fact that God created everything, He loves you even though you have sinned against Him. He sent His Son to die in your place for your sin. You can have a relationship with God if you ask Him for forgiveness and to come into your heart and take over your life. Only God saves people; it is our responsibility to share the Gospel.
Application Do you make plans to spend time with and engage your lost friends with the Gospel? How does your calendar reflect your mission to share the Gospel?
Ask a lost friend what they believe and share with them what you believe and what God has done for you.
Kids Application Talk to a friend who doesn’t know Jesus, and tell them what Jesus has done for you. Day 39 Make Disciples: Leadership Ashley Fugitt - Read 1 Timothy 4:12 Timothy was a young man who lived his life to serve the church and to reach the lost. Paul encouraged Timothy, despite his age, to be confident as a leader and to keep living in Truth so other believers would see and follow his example. Leadership is a powerful position that as a disciple of Christ we are to take seriously and with grace. It is a position that should not be overlooked because of age or mishandled because of status. A strong leader isn’t someone who demands authority and attention, but someone who shows the church family how to conduct themselves through speech, love, faith and purity. Strong leaders are able to set this example because Jesus is the Lord of their lives. They are living a life that is glorifying to God, pursuing Him in prayer and following His commands. What we do with our leadership will reflect in the leaders we raise up. If we want strong, godly leaders, we must be that example.
Application How does the Bible define leadership?
What does your leadership reflect to those around you?
Kids Application The Bible tells us that we are not too young to do a great work for God. How can you be an example of faith to others? Day 40 Make Disciples: Replication Ashley Fugitt - Read 2 Timothy 2:2, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 When Jesus Christ became the Lord of our lives, we were commanded to tell others the truth that has been placed on our hearts. We are holding onto the most precious gift of hope, love and truth that was never intended to be kept a secret. There are people in our lives who are desperately needing and longing for answers of hope and love, yet we struggle to take that next step. God has and will provide the words and opportunities for us to be the light the world needs. God is the one who changes lives. We are simply instructed to share the truth and teach those around us so that they can share and teach others what they have just learned. Our life needs to be an outpouring of God’s truth in everything we do and say.
Application What is keeping you from stepping out and pouring your life in Christ into another person?
Why are you allowing this fear to stop you, when you know that we serve a God bigger than that fear?
Kids Application Who can you teach to love God? How would you teach them?