The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Watch the full sermon here https://youtube.com/live/BOpjEwbHN0A

Pastor Cymbala has a message for every Christian who wants to be used by God, as he continues to review the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:38-40. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Reviewing the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:29-37, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to remember God’s proven track record in our lives, so that we can continue to trust him in every situation. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Pastor Cymbala alerts us to one reason why our emotions might yo-yo up and down when we want to step out in faith, as he continues his devotional study on David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:27-28. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Have you ever thought you were doing well in your Christian walk until you faced something called “real life”? Pastor Cymbala challenges us with this question as he continues to explore the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:12-26. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

As he begins the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-11, Pastor Cymbala has a message for anyone who might be feeling intimidated by the enemy of our souls. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Pastor Cymbala shares a way to quiet our minds and hearts when we’re troubled, as he highlights 1 Samuel 16:19-23. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Noting the various giftings of King David, as they are listed in 1 Samuel 16:14-18, Pastor Cymbala encourages us to pray to be a well-rounded Christian with the Spirit of God helping us to strike a beautiful chord in our service to God and to others. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Pastor Cymbala has a word of encouragement for anyone who longs to be a blessing to others, as he highlights the source of David’s strength in 1 Samuel 16:11-13. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Speaking on 1 Samuel 16:8-12, Pastor Cymbala challenges us with the thought that it’s all about the heart as we worship the Lord and serve the body of Christ. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Pastor Cymbala discusses how judging by outward appearances can have serious repercussions, as he focuses on 1 Samuel 16:4-7. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 “As believers in Christ, we are assured that all our past sins have been forgiven. But what happens when we sin after we are born again? The fact is that Christians sin and fail God; and we have to face our failure, if we want to be real and sincere before God. If we say it doesn’t matter or make excuses for it, we grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in us, and we break fellowship with God. This is harmful to our spiritual life. But the Bible says that if we confess our sins, he will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. To confess our sins means that we get alone with God, and we agree with him about our wrong thoughts, words, attitudes and actions. Immediately, his mercy flows and we are brought back into fellowship with our heavenly Father. Stay close to Jesus so that you do not sin, and always desire to live as he did. But when you break down and fail, don’t give up on yourself. Instead, go to God…” – Pastor Cymbala Why do we still have a “sin” problem after we’re born again? What is one reason why a person may not want to admit their sin? Discuss some ways that we make excuses for our sin and how that harms our spiritual life. How has God provided for us when we fail him? Do you feel confident in going to God with your failures? Why or why not? See this teaching in blog form!: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/when-christians-sin/ ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. – John 16:7 “In the mystery of the Trinity, we have one God, revealed to us in the personhood of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The Father sent his Son Jesus to die on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. And as Jesus was getting ready to depart this earth, he told his disciples that it was better for them if he left, because he would send Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Christ. Instead of having Jesus with them physically, they would have the Spirit of Christ in them. When we repent and put our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. The Holy Spirit is the one who gave the power to raise Jesus from the dead. He’s our power source, and he is the one who changes us from the inside out, strengthening us and empowering us to live lives that please God and to make us what he wants us to be.” – Pastor Cymbala Who are the three persons of the Trinity, and what is the role of each in our salvation? Why did Jesus tell his disciples that it would be better for them if he left? What happens when we put our faith in Christ? How do we know that the Holy Spirit has power? Explain how the Holy Spirit can enable you and me to live lives that please God. See this teaching in blog form: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/our-power-source/ ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ – Acts 1:10-11 “Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sent the promised Holy Spirit, ushering in the Church Age. The work of the Church is to spread the good news of Jesus and extend his kingdom, so that more and more people will come in. The Church Age will end when Jesus comes the second time. When he was here on earth, Jesus himself said that he is coming again at an hour when we are not expecting him. And when he ascended to heaven, two angels appeared to the disciples and proclaimed that he would return. Jesus was born in weakness in a manger when he came the first time. He knew what it was to be tired; and at the end of his life on earth, he suffered a cruel death on a cross. When he returns, there will be no more manger or beatings or mocking or cross of Calvary. He is coming back to establish his kingdom as King of kings and Lord of lords. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness will prevail and time will be no more; and there will be a dwelling place for us. There will be no more Satan or temptation or crime or abuse or cursing or hatred or death; and there will be no more tears. Our Lord’s second coming is the Blessed Hope of the Church. No wonder the Bible ends with the words, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’” – Pastor Cymbala What ushered in the Church Age? What is the work of the Church? When will the Church Age end? What is the difference between Jesus’ first coming and his second coming? What will it be like when Jesus comes again to establish his kingdom? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. – Romans 1:16 “The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again the third day, conquering sin and death; that if we repent or turn away from our sins and put our trust in what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross, we are saved and have eternal life. Before he departed this earth, Jesus gave his followers the command to ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’ (Mark 16:15). It is not the responsibility of the pastor or evangelist alone but rather the calling on all of our lives to share the good news of Jesus. The apostle Paul said that the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. The message itself has power as we proclaim it, depending on the Holy Spirit to give us boldness and to prepare the hearts of those who will hear it. We are warned in the New Testament not to add or take away from the message of the gospel. It is not about joining a particular church or denomination; and there is no white Southern gospel or Black gospel or Pentecostal gospel or mainline church gospel. The Bible is the authoritative word on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. Let’s make heaven happy today. Let’s ask God to use us to share the good news of Jesus.” – Pastor Cymbala What is the gospel? What command did Jesus give his followers before he departed this earth? Read the apostle Peter’s first message, on the Day of Pentecost, in Acts 2:14-39. What was the response of those who heard the message? What did Peter tell the hearers of the message to do in order to have forgiveness of sins? What did the apostle Paul say about the gospel in Romans 1:16 How does this change your view about sharing the good news of Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17 “The Bible comprises sixty-six books, and it is divided into the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament represents the old covenant, or agreement, that God made with his people Israel. It is characterized by the law and is represented by Moses. The problem with the old covenant was that it did not change one human heart. That is why the New Testament book of Hebrews says that a new covenant was needed. Instead of writing the laws on tablets of stone, as in the old covenant, God would now write his laws on the hearts of his people. Under the old covenant, God had Moses tell the people of Israel that if they broke even one commandment—and there were hundreds in the law—they were guilty of breaking the whole law. And without the shedding of blood, the law said, there was no forgiveness of sins; so there were animal sacrifices being offered day and night in the temple to atone for the guilt of the people. But the Bible says that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4) and cleanse a guilty conscience. That is why the sacrifices had to be offered up continually. The law was actually never meant to save anyone. Its goal was to show the holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin and to point us to our need of a Savior. But when Jesus came as the representative of the new covenant, he gave his life as a sacrifice once for all to take away the sins of the those who would repent and put their trust in what he accomplished on the cross. So we see that the new covenant is characterized by grace, or God’s unmerited favor, for all who would believe —both Jew and Gentile alike. ’For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.’” – Pastor Cymbala What characterized the old covenant? Why was a new covenant needed? Where does God write his laws under the new covenant? What was the actual purpose of the Old Testament law? Explain God’s grace under the new covenant. ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness… – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “God has promises and words of comfort for us in his Word, but he also gives us warnings to protect us. One such warning came from the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, and it is a warning for us as well. Paul was referring to false teachers when he warned that they’re not the real thing. They’re counterfeit; and the only way we are kept safe from their false teaching is by knowing the truth. We have to know the Bible, so that we can distinguish truth from error. We also have to ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment, because false teachers ‘masquerade as servants of righteousness,’ trying to deceive others. How can we spot these counterfeits? The New Testament letter of Jude gives us a clue when it says that these false teachers are “shepherds who feed only themselves” (Jude 1:12). In other words, they draw attention to themselves instead of exalting Jesus; and many ask for money, purportedly in exchange for a miracle or a blessing. This has no basis in Scripture. Some false teaching is obvious, but some is less so. Thank God for his Word and for the Holy Spirit, who keeps us in the truth.” – Pastor Cymbala Why does God give us warnings in his Word? What warning did the apostle Paul give the Corinthian church? Do false teachers reveal their true intentions? Why or why not? How are we kept safe from false teaching? How can the Holy Spirit help us? How can we spot a counterfeit teacher? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” – Mark 3:25 “The early church was so blessed by God that the gospel began to spread everywhere and the number of believers in Christ multiplied rapidly. But the Bible warns that division defeats multiplication. In fact, Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand, because division kills growth and blessing. It is for this reason that the apostle Paul warned: ‘Watch out for those who cause divisions’ (Romans 16:17). ‘Warn a divisive person once and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them’ (Titus 3:10). Sadly, there are people who destroy churches not by stealing and doing drugs, but by gossiping and pitting people against one another. The Psalmist David wrote, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1). Unity makes for strength in a marriage, in a family, in a company, on a sports team. How much more does God want his church to be together as one heart! Scripture tells us there’s only one body—one church. Let’s ask God to unite our churches and stop the division that ruins the peace God wants us to enjoy.” – Pastor Cymbala What was a sign of blessing in the early church? Why does the Bible warn against division? What does unity bring about in a marriage or a family or a church? What did the apostle Paul recommend regarding those who cause division in the church? How can we guard against division in the church? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! – Isaiah 64:4 “Jesus said, ‘When you pray, believe.’ But what happens when we pray and believe and there is no answer or things actually get worse? That’s the testing of our faith. God uses those delays to help us grow in our faith. He does it so that we can come to the precious biblical truth that God works for those who wait for him. The Lord wants us to know enough about him and about his love and faithfulness that we will not only believe, but keep on believing and trusting him. The hardest part of faith is waiting, and we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands; but many lives have been ruined by going to a plan B instead of waiting for God’s supply. God’s ways are not our ways, the Bible says. He will help us, but it will be according to his timetable. We don’t have to get agitated and anxious. God is going to meet our needs and reveal his plan for our lives in his own time. The Bible says that God gives supernatural strength and endurance to those who wait in faith (Isaiah 40:31). Blessed are those who wait for the Lord.” – Pastor Cymbala Name a time in your life when you became discouraged because you had to wait for an answer to your prayers. How does God use these delays in our lives? What does the Bible say that God does on behalf of those who wait for him? How can having a plan B work against us? What do you think about God’s timing? Why do you think it is different from ours? What is another promise from Scripture for those who wait in faith? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. – Psalm 29:2 “The first thing we instinctively know from reading the Word is that God is worthy to be worshiped. The psalmist invites us to ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name and to worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. This worship is due him alone. We can admire and respect people, but we worship only God. The word ‘worship’ comes from a Hebrew word that means to bow down before, and to exalt in the highest way possible. Our physical posture does not matter when we are worshiping God; neither does our location—whether we are in church or on our beds at night. But what does matter is the posture of our hearts as we humble ourselves and worship the Lord for who he is. When we petition God in prayer, we concentrate on our needs; and when we offer thanksgiving, we’re concentrating on God’s blessings in our lives. But when we are worshiping, we are focusing on the Lord. Jesus said that the Father seeks those who would worship him in spirit and in truth. This tells us that the Father treasures those who worship him, not just with their lips or with their mind, but with their spirit, as they are helped by the Holy Spirit who lives in them (John 4:23). It also means that we are to worship him in sincerity, with our hearts laid bare before him, without pretense or dissembling. As we worship God in this way, we will see him do wonderful things in our lives.” – Pastor Cymbala What is the first thing that we instinctively know about God from reading his Word? What does the word “worship” mean in the original Hebrew? What is the best posture to assume when we are worshiping God? What is the difference between worshiping God and petitioning him or offering him thanksgiving? What did Jesus mean when he said that the Father seeks those who would worship him in spirit and in truth? Take some time to worship the Lord right where you are at this very moment. ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58 “The Bible tells us that salvation is by grace, which is God’s unmerited favor. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one can boast. We don’t work to earn our salvation, but Scripture does talk about some job openings in God’s kingdom. This has to do with the work we do for the Lord after we are born again. Another way of looking at it is that the Lord wants to use us in the work that he is doing on the earth. It is why the apostle Paul says in the New Testament that we are co-laborers with Christ. There are two aspects to the work of the Lord. Number one is the commission that Jesus gave us to go into all the world and share the good news. It takes time, energy, effort, tears, prayer, and at times even an investment of our own material goods to bring people to the Lord and the salvation he offers. Then, once the person becomes a Christian, we are tasked with the second aspect of the work of the Lord, which is to disciple the new believer. This means to nurture and instruct and pray and spend time with new Christians so that they will grow and become strong in their walk with the Lord. The apostle Paul encourages us to give ourselves to the work of the Lord. We can get involved in this work by joining a ministry of the church or going on a mission trip or praying for others or handing out food or leading a Bible study or going door to door sharing the good news of Jesus. When Jesus was here on earth, he said that he had come to do the will of the Father ‘and to finish his work’ (John 4:34). Likewise, we all have a work assignment from the Lord. There is a job opening for every Christian in God’s kingdom; and it brings us the same fulfillment Jesus had in doing the Father’s work. Let us stand firm, therefore, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – Pastor Cymbala Discuss the difference between doing the work of the Lord and wrongly trying to earn salvation through good works. What is the work of the Lord in general terms? What are the two main aspects of the work of the Lord? What are the different ways that we can get involved in the work of the Lord? How are we rewarded when we do the work of the Lord? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “Jesus taught his disciples to pray, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…’ (Matthew 6:9-10, emphasis added). No one can be a strong Christian without an awareness of the will of God. The word ‘will’ in the original Greek encompasses purpose and intention, or what someone wants to have happen. There are several aspects of God’s will being done on earth. First, there’s the will of God that applies to everyone. It represents God’s purposes and plans for the world. For example, in the New Testament, we read that God ‘wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’ We thus know that God wants everyone on earth to receive the salvation that he has provided through Jesus Christ. There’s also God’s general will for all Christians. Here’s one example: ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another’ (John 15:12). And there are others. But there’s also the personal will of God, which represents the purposes and plans God has for each of us individually. He loves you so much that he doesn’t leave you to figure things out for yourself. Instead, he had a unique plan for your life before you were even conceived in your mother’s womb. It involves specifics, such as your career and whom you will marry. We have to ask God every day, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ because it is under the umbrella of God’s plan for our lives that we experience his protection and provision. When Jesus was here on earth, he said, ‘My food…is to do the will of him who sent me…’ (John 4:34). It is what gave him fulfillment and joy, and it will do the same for you and me today.” – Pastor Cymbala What did Jesus teach his disciples to pray concerning the Father’s will? What does the word “will” mean in the original Greek? How do we know that God wants everyone on earth to be saved? Give an example of the general will of God for all Christians. Do you believe that God has a unique and specific plan for your life? What does this mean to you? ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. – Micah 7:18 “God exhibits his grace when he gives you something that you don’t deserve; and he shows mercy when he does not give you what you do deserve. The word ‘mercy’ speaks of pity and compassion for someone who is suffering, even if it is their own fault. The Bible tells us that God delights in showing mercy. In fact, the salvation he offers through Jesus Christ is based on his mercy. For God so loved the world—i.e. in his mercy, he so pitied the world—that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The Bible tells us to be imitators of God. We can’t imitate his attributes of being all-powerful or all-knowing or ever-present. But we can imitate his character; and part of his character is showing mercy. We need to imitate God’s mercy all the time; because, in the natural, we get offended by people and want to retaliate. But Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy’ (Matthew 5:7). He also said that the same measure we use for others will be used for us. Jesus illustrated these principles through the parable of a king’s servant who owed the king a vast sum of money. When payment was required of him, he pleaded for mercy, and the king granted it to him. But that servant then went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a pittance by comparison; and when his fellow servant begged for a little more time to pay it back, the king’s servant had him put in jail. The parable ends with the unmerciful servant being thrown in prison until he could pay the whole sum he owed. The person who did not show mercy in the parable ended up hurting themselves, just as we hurt ourselves when we don’t forgive and show mercy to others. Some of us have negative nervous, emotional, and physical manifestations, because we are holding on to things. Let’s let it go. Let’s be imitators of God. Let’s be people who delight in mercy.” – Pastor Cymbala Define mercy. How did God show his mercy to the world? Why do we need to imitate God, who delights in mercy? Read Matthew 18:21-35 on the parable of the unforgiving servant and explain the spiritual lesson it teaches. Think of an offense that you need to let go of today. ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:3 “In the first sermon Jesus preached, he said that the best candidates to receive all that God has for his children are those who are poor in spirit. This is counterintuitive, since our society considers that it is the rich and not the poor who are to be envied. Consider also that the word for ‘poor’ in the original Greek text means not having anything at all. This is a deep principle of spiritual life as a Christian; because if you have nothing, then you have to look to God for everything. And God will fulfill every good desire he has for you. This principle is capped off in the parable of the vine and the branches. Jesus said, ‘I am the vine, and you are the branches. You have to remain in me, or you can do nothing.’ A branch has to remain connected to the main stalk of the plant and empty of debris and other extraneous matter in order to have flowing through it the life-giving sap of the plant that will enable it to grow and bear fruit. In the same way, the believer has to remain in Christ, empty of every hindrance and their own plans and desires, in order to have flowing through them the Spirit’s life-giving power and blessings from above. That is the joy of being an empty vessel for God to fill with his peace and joy and the abundant life he has promised to every born-again Christian.” – Pastor Cymbala According to Jesus, who are the best candidates to receive all that God has for his children? Why is this counterintuitive? What does the word for “poor” mean in the original Greek text of the verse? Why is this significant? What is the blessing of being poor in spirit? Read the parable of the vine and the branches in John 15:1-8 and describe in your own words the spiritual lesson that it provides for us. Explain how you are able to be empty yet full as a Christian. ________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmIDNINOUtmEzL4Hqgstxg?sub_confirmation=1 Stay Connected: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrooklynTabernacle/ https://twitter.com/jimcymbala https://www.instagram.com/thebrooklyntabernacle/ Give: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/giving Request prayer: https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/prayer #BrooklynTabernacle #JimCymbala #BrooklynTab