Catacomb Praise

Music: 

• “More than Conquerors”      
• “King of My Heart”       
• “Christmas Day”    
• “Way Maker”     
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “Victory in Jesus”  

Scripture:       John 16:5-11 

It’s not our job to convince people to come to Jesus: The Holy Spirit does it.  We live out the Word, we witness in our actions, we share our experiences, but we never know how, when, or if our efforts will make a difference. God uses them in ways we never imagine.  The Holy Spirit is the One that changes lives.  We just lift up the Name of Jesus and offer encouragement. And, we go in the confidence that Jesus has won!  The powers of hell stand condemned and we don’t have to fall into the trap of temptations.  We know that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we CAN live lives to the glory of Jesus Christ.  We live our lives in victory!

Music: 

• “Rescuer”  
• “God So Loved” 
• “Living Hope” 
• “Little Drummer Boy” 
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “Here I Am to Worship“
• “The Heart of Worship“

Scripture:   John 14:27       

Jesus leaves us with peace.  HIS peace.  Life (and Satan) messes with our minds and takes away any sense of peace.  This world gives- as long as you give it a reason to give you something back.  But, Jesus gives freely- no strings attached.  He gives not only eternal life and hope, but He gives….. Peace.  The world strips away our peace and gives us anxiety instead.  The peace of Christ doesn’t take away the problems, but it gives us a foundation that lets us say “I’m gong to get through this, no matter what happens.”  In the midst of our problems, we can know that Jesus is the Anchor, and the Anchor always holds.  Knowing Jesus brings us peace regardless of the storms we need to endure.

Music: 

• “My Redeemer Lives“
• “Jesus Strong and Kind”   
• “His Eye is on the Sparrow”    
• “My God Can do Anything, How About Yours?” (written by Pastor Mike)   
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “Cornerstone”  
• “Forever We Sing Hallelujah”   

Scripture:       Psalm 34:18-19    

The Lord is near the weak.  He’s close to the brokenhearted and “crushed in spirit.”  He doesn’t take us away from troubles (even the righteous are “afflicted” ),  but He provides peace and comfort so we can get through the trouble.   Ultimately, He DOES rescue us by bringing us to the hope, joy, peace and life that are part of the new order of things in heaven.  But even on this earth, God gives us comfort.  He gives it through His people.  We need to be the hands and feet of Christ and comfort those who God leads us too. 

Pastor Mike’s son, Micha, joins in on this session of Catacomb Praise!

Music: 

• “This is Our God”    
• “The Old Rugged Cross”      
• “Jesus Strong and Kind”  
• “What a Glorious Night”    
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “Oceans”     
• “Jesus Paid It All”   

Scripture:     Matthew 23:13-14 (NIV)    (Message Version)

We should never be roadblocks to invite people to the Kingdom of God.  But how are WE roadblocks???:  We are roadblocks when we’re afraid to share.  We’re roadblocks when we think it’s not worth sharing the Gospel.  But all lives can be changed by the Holy Spirit.  It’s not up to us to decide who will accept the message.  It’s up to us to tell the Gospel.  When you’re in an airport in  foreign country, you need to find someone who speaks your language so you can find your gate.  Each of us has an experience that “speaks a different language.”  The Gate is Jesus, and God gives us the abilities and opportunities to share the Good News with the people He brings us to.

• “House of the Lord”  
• “We Believe”     
• “Great Are You Lord” 
• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” 
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “My God Can Do Anything” (written by Pastor Mike) 
• “More than Conquerors” 

Scripture:    Psalm 121  

Where is your hope?  Where does your help come from?  We all need something that’s more powerful than ourselves.  We need to look outside ourselves instead of focusing on our own weak abilities.  That something is Jesus.  There’s nothing like the strength the Holy Spirit can bring us, and that depends on  a relationship with Jesus.  Whatever you’re going through, Jesus is there.  Through prayer and faith there is hope and help.

As you watch the video, you’ll notice the graphic on the wall,  “Fruits of the Spirit. For more about this, see Galatians 5:13-16.

Music: 

• “Blessed Quietness (Joys Are Flowing Like a River)” 
• “Christmas Day”  
• “What About Jesus?”  (written by Pastor Mike)
• “Gratitude”  (meaning of Hallelujah)
• ~~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “Sanctuary“
• “One Pure and Holy Passion“

Scripture:   John 16:4-15 

Halloween isn’t about fear and horror; it’s about the Holy Spirit!  Don’t be afraid about the mystery of the Holy Spirit. 

1. Embrace the Holy Spirit.  It goes beyond what we can comprehend, but the Holy Spirit gives us strength to go on.  The Holy Spirit benefits us by being with us and empowering us to grow in Christ and to inspire others by our witness.  It’s not by our own power and might- it’s by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. The ruler of this world is been condemned.  We’re going to win!  Evil gets its way sometimes, but it can never win.  Satan’s time is over. 

Hang on to truth, hope and the Holy Spirit.

Music:

• “Glory to God Forever”  
• “Go Tell It on the Mountain”  
• “God So Loved” 
• “It Is Well with My Soul” (story behind this hymn)
• ~ ~~ (devotion) ~~~
• “I Speak Jesus“
• “O Come to the Altar“

Scripture:    Matthew 5:3-10 

What’s a “blessing”?  Riches, power, influence, physical strength and beauty???  But Jesus turns it upside down.  It’s based on the heart and on ethics we don’t see in this world.  Blessings in this upside down view are things like:  meekness, weakness, hunger & thirst for righteousness (instead of power), mercy (not personal gain), peacemakers, persecution.  Jesus’ blessings are from God and they’re eternal.  Earthly blessings are from our own strength and are temporary. 

What are your blessings???

Music:

• “This is Amazing Grace”    
• “Hallelujah for the Cross”    (click here for the meaning of the word “hallelujah”)
• “Christmas Hallelujah”    
• “Great Are You Lord” 
• “We Win” (written by Pastor Mike)
• “Come Jesus Come”    

Scripture:  Revelation 22:16-17

Jesus is coming back to fix everything; make it all right, wipe away every tear, bring us back to the Garden where we walked one on one with God in perfect fellowship.  Nothing to hide, nothing to fear.  Just me and God.  Is that our prayer that Jesus will come into our our situation?  That He will come into our lives?  Don’t push Jesus away.  Invite Him into everything.

1- Jesus IS coming back.  Are you ready???  Why wait?  Kneel now, pray now.  Welcome Him in. 2- Come Jesus Come… into today’s current situations.  Not only in an unknown future, but Jesus is ready to help you NOW.

Music:

• “House of the Lord”  
• “Holy Water”  
• “We Win!” (written by Pastor Mike)
• “Love is Here” 
• “The Blessing” 
• “How Great Thou Art”  

Scripture:  John 20:19-20   

The disciples were in fear and they hid. Even though Jesus told them what would happen, the disciples ran away.  Wouldn’t we do the same thing?  But like He did for those disciples so long ago, Jesus comes to our own “locked rooms” and  shows up just at the right time.  He always brings exactly what we need.  Even if we don’t look for Him, He shows up when we need Him.  

You just never know how or when Jesus will show up; so never stop praying. Never stop trusting, never stop holding on to Jesus.  Stay connected.  Jesus uses others to do miraculous things, any you never know how His loving hand will touch you (see song “Waymaker“).  When it seems that all is lost, stay connected to the Vine (John 15).  Even when you’ve prayed 1,000,000 times, pray 1,000,001 times.  God is looking at a plan that’s bigger than we could imagine, and it will come.  We will win when we’re focused on Him.

Music:

•  “Your Grace is Enough”   
• “If We Are the Body“
•  “No Sweeter Name”  
• “Goodness of God“
• “In Christ Alone” 
• “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”     

Scripture:  Matthew 8:5-10      

The Centurion’s servant was near death, so this Roman soldier came to Jesus.  But he came in humility, understanding the holiness of Jesus.  He told Jesus ” I don’t deserve to have you come under my roof.”  But the Centurion also understood Jesus’ authority.  He placed his total faith in Jesus, saying “just say the word and my servant will be healed.”  Do we understand our own unworthiness?  Do we really understand that if we have Jesus, we have everything?  Through the Holy Spirit and through Jesus’ authority, we have power against anything that may come against us.

Music:

• “Sing to the King”    
• “Less Like Me”    
• “King of Kings”   
• “Living Hope”     
• “Power in the Blood“
• “Waymaker“

Scripture:   Colossians 3:23-24

We all have opportunities to be witnesses and to be in ministry; you don’t have to be a full-time pastor.      If you repair cars, or teach, or pump gas… or anything else…. God has given you the ability to be an amazing witness.  Through the Spirit’s power, we are called to let people know that Jesus cares.  The Bible says that whatever you do, do it unto the Lord.  Let’s all work together to Make His Name famous!

Music:

• “God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion)”  
• “I’ll Fly Away”  
• “Praise” 
• “Over and Over Again” (written by Pastor Mike)
• “Cornerstone“
• “I Speak Jesus“

Scripture:

• Isaiah 40:29-31

Sometimes we forget God’s continual guidance and we worry.  Sometimes life isn’t easy and we feel weak.  But God promises to renew our strength and give us the victory.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Put one foot in front of the other, and don’t dare give up.  

Music:

• In Tenderness He Sought Me
• Are You Washed in the Blood
• Fill this Room (written by Pastor Mike)
• Mighty to Save
• Great Are You Lord

Scripture:

• Psalm 26 

Wealth is not the measurement of our standing with Jesus.  Just because you’re close to Christ, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be rough times.  Bad things happen and life can seem unfair.  Life can be painful.  But if we keep seeking Jesus, He will give us vindication and redemption.  God has a plan that will make all things right.  So don’t give up; keep seeking, keep asking, keep praying.