TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD 
TOMANDO A DIOS EN SU PALABRA

  • We can take God at His Word — He is faithful. 
  • His Word prepares us today to face tomorrow. 
  • His Word encourages us to believe in a way out. 
  • His Word alerts us to be ready for anything. 
  • His Word is always there for you to take. 

NOAH - “Prepare now for tomorrow” — Genesis 6-9
NOÉ- “Prepárate hoy para mañana” — Genesis 6-9
  • Mesopotamia is a terrible place:  wickedness (maldad); immorality; & violence.
  • From a Garden of Eden to a land of evil (mal). 
  • God demonstrates great mercy:  warns; gives them time; & provides an ark. 
  • God sends judgment — A Great Flood
  • Survivors are Shut-In:  Family; Animals; over a year in ark; preserving God’s creation. 
  • God’s Word prepares us for tomorrow. 
  • 2 Corinthians / Corintios 4:16-18

MOSES - “Believe there is a way out” — Exodus 5-12
MOISÉS - “Creer qué hay una salida” — Éxodo 5-12
  • Egypt is going through 10 Judgments:  Plaques; Natural Disasters; & Death 
  • They doesn’t want to let God’s people go. 
  • National Shut-in:  Egyptians; Hebrews; & Foreigners
  • Approximately 40 to 50 days. 
  • 10th plaque God promises to pass over:  Listen to Moses; Follow the instructions; & Be ready to go
  • God’s Word encourages us to believe that there is a way out. 
  • 1 Corinthians / Corintios 10:12-13

10 VIRGINS - “Be ready for anything” — Matthew 25:3-13
10 VIRGENES - “Estar listo para cualquier cosa” — Mateo 25:3-13
  • The 10 Virgins are the bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. 
  • They represent the believers in Jesus Christ. 
  • Their job, during their “shut in”, is to be prepared:  alert; lamps full; ready to light the way for the bridegroom. 
  • 5 foolish:  alert; full lamps; run out; not ready. 
  • 5 wise:  alert; full lamps; extra oil; they’re ready.  
  • Now and days it’s not enough to have a lamp!
  • We have to pay the price for extra supply of oil. 
  • For sure we be selling the oil — it’s not ours to sell — it’s a gift from God — no regifting!
  • Now and days it’s not enough to believe in God or in His coming. 
  • We have to be prepared to wait until He does. 
  • God’s Word alerts us to be ready. 
  • Matthew / Mateo 25:10-13

[APPLICATION]
  • Do these examples of Shut-Ins speak to you today? - They do to me.
  • They also spoke to us during our 10 month long “shut in” here in CA. 
  • Here is my advice, as I am inspired to share:
    • Now is the time to “shut in”!
    • Shut-In with God. 
    • Spend time with God now. 
    • Spend more time in HIS Word now. 
"Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” - Benjamin Franklin
No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy
  • If another “Shut-In” is announced:
    • You’ll be prepared for it and for tomorrow. 
    • You’ll know there’s a way out in God. 
    • You’ll be ready for anything and everything. 
  • If another “Shut-In”is mandated, you know God is faithful — you can take Him at His Word.

CONCLUSION
I CAN TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD — HE IS FAITHFUL
PUEDO TOMAR A DIOS EN SU PALABRA — EL ES FIEL
FROM GRACE TO A NEW BEGINNING
DE GRACIA A UN NUEVO COMIENZO

GRACE FOR THE HUMBLE
GRACIA PARA LOS HUMILDES
“[God] gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” - James‬ ‭4:6‬ / “[Dios] da gracia con generosidad. Como dicen las Escrituras: «Dios se opone a los orgullosos pero da gracia a los humildes».” - Santiago 4:6

HUMBLE TO SHARE GOOD NEWS
HUMILDES PARA COMPARTIR BUENAS NUEVAS
“They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem…” - Luke‬ ‭24:32-33‬ ‭
“Entonces se dijeron el uno al otro: «¿No ardía nuestro corazón cuando nos hablaba en el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras?». En menos de una hora, estaban de regreso a Jerusalén…” - Lucas‬ ‭24:32-33‬ 

GOOD NEWS OF A NEW BEGINNING
BUENAS NUEVAS DE UN NUEVO COMIENZO
Luke / Lucas 24:45-49
(45) Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 
“Entonces les abrió la mente para que entendieran las Escrituras,
(46) And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 
y dijo: «Efectivamente, se escribió hace mucho tiempo que el Mesías debería sufrir, morir y resucitar al tercer día. 
(47) “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”
“También se escribió que este mensaje se proclamaría con la autoridad de su nombre a todas las naciones, comenzando con Jerusalén: “Hay perdón de pecados para todos los que se arrepientan”.
(48) “You are witnesses of all these things.” / Ustedes son testigos de todas estas cosas.
(49) “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
»Ahora enviaré al Espíritu Santo, tal como prometió mi Padre; pero quédense aquí en la ciudad hasta que el Espíritu Santo venga y los llene con poder del cielo».”
  • You are in an excellent time for a new beginning. 
  • For a renewed:
    • Perspective on your love & future w/ God. 
    • Effort of reaching in & healing your family. 
    • Level of commitment in relationships. 
    • Practice of business & work ethics. 
    • Fire to serve in essential ministry work. 
  • From grace to new beginning, God, His Spirit, His Church, and His Word are there for you. 
  • It is a time of grace. 
  • It is a time for your new beginning. 
CONCLUSION
MY NEW BEGINNING IS NOW
MI NUEVO COMIENZO ES AHORA
MY FATHER “A glimpse into a father’s heart”
MI PADRE “Un vistazo al corazón de un padre”

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” - Exodus 15:2
“El Señor es mi fuerza y mi canción; El me ha dado la victoria. Él es mi Dios, y lo alabaré; es el Dios de mi padre, ¡y lo exaltaré!” - Éxodo 15:2

OUR FATHER’S HEART BEATS WITHIN US
EL CORAZÓN DE NUESTRO PADRE LATE DENTRO DE NOSOTROS

EXCELLENT ADVICE TO PASS ON TO OTHERS
EXCELENTE CONSEJO PARA TRANSMITIR A OTROS
  • ADAM - 1st Earthly Father - “A father does not give up”
  • NOAH - 1st New World Father - “A father protects his family”
  • ABRAHAM - 1st Father of Nations - “A father makes sacrifices”
  • PETER - 1st Spiritual Father - “A father gives sound counsel”
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind [thinking].  Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” - 1 Peter‬ ‭3:8‬ 
“Por último, todos deben ser de un mismo parecer [parecer]. Tengan compasión unos de otros. Ámense como hermanos y hermanas. Sean de buen corazón y mantengan una actitud humilde.” - 1 Pedro‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭

FATHERS ARE ALWAYS THE MAIN INFLUENCE
LOS PADRES SIEMPRE SON LA MAYOR INFLUENCIA

What is a positive memory of your father that has influenced the person that you are today?
¿Qué es un recuerdo positivo de tu padre que ha influido en la persona que eres hoy?
  • Worshiper:  Seeing my dad play the piano. 
  • Minister:  Dad on his knees praying. 
  • Business Owner:  How dad provided for family. 
  • Educator:  Dad taking us to Ciro’s every Friday. 
  • Executive Officer (Intendente Administrativo):  Dad’s loyalty to his job 25 years. 
  • Young Adult:  Dad’s Life Lessons
     “The Impact on Kids of Dad’s Faith and Church Attendance” - Nick Cady
   (El Impacto en los Hijos de la Fe de Papá y Asistencia a la Iglesia)
  • When both parents attend - 72% of their children attend when grown.
Cuando ambos padres asisten - 72% de sus hijos asisten cuando crecen.
  • When only dad attends - 55% of the children attend when grown.
Cuando sólo papá asiste - 55% de los niños asisten cuando crecen.
  • When only mom attends - 15% of the children attend when grown.
Cuando sólo mama asiste - 15% de los niños asisten cuando crecen.
  • When neither parent attends - 6% of the children attend when grown.
Cuando ninguno de los padres asiste - 6% de los niños asisten cuando crecen.
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up...” - Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:4-9‬ ‭

CONCLUSION:
OTHERS WILL SEE MY FATHER’S HEART THROUGH ME
OTROS VERAN EL CORAZÓN DE MI PADRE A TRAVEZ DE MI ​
INFLUENCE
INFLUENCIA 

  • We’ve all been influenced by many — and we, sometimes unknowingly, influence many.
  • It’s healthy to admire people of influence — when their influence is good / positive. 
  • Of course, always being cautious to see what makes them people of influence.
  • Because we as individuals, and as a church, need to be an influence — a good influence.

WE SHOULD ADMIRE PEOPLE OF GOOD INFLUENCE
DEBEMOS ADMIRAR A GENTE DE BUENA INFLUENCIA
  • We should be:  Inspired; Learn; Grow; & Imitate. 
“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” - 3 John‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭ “Querido amigo, no te dejes influir por ese mal ejemplo. Imita solamente lo bueno. Recuerda que los que hacen lo bueno demuestran que son hijos de Dios, y los que hacen lo malo demuestran que no conocen a Dios.” - 3 Juan‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭
  • “Jesus said, ‘Follow Me" /  “Jesús dijo, ‘Síganme’”
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” - 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:34‬; 11:1 “Y ustedes deberían imitarme a mí, así como yo imito a Cristo.” - 1 Corintios‬ ‭10:34‬; 11:1

15 TRAITS THAT SET INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE APART
(15 RASGOS QUE DISTINGUEN A LAS PERSONAS INFLUYENTES)
https://www.entrepreneur.com/amphtml/318731
  • What Influence Is:
    • Comes from a person’s ability to inspire and motivate.
    • It has to do with gaining the admiration, confidence, and trust of those around. 
  • What Influence Is Not:
    • It is not intimidation or coercion. 
    • It is not about titles or positions. 
  • Scriptures compares it to Godly & Generous people. 
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” - Psalms‬ ‭112:9‬ ‭ “Comparten con libertad y dan con generosidad a los necesitados; sus buenas acciones serán recordadas para siempre. Ellos tendrán influencia y recibirán honor.” - Salmos‬ ‭112:9‬ ‭

HOW DO I KNOW I AM AN INFLUENCER?
¿COMO SE QUE SOY UN INFLUENCIADOR?
  • Do I care or do I put up with?
¿Me importan o los soporto?
  • Do I connect or do I presume?
¿Me conecto o presumo?
  • Do I persuade or do I push?
¿Persuado o empujó?
  • Do they seek me or do I seek them?
¿Me buscan o los busco?
  • Do I make an imprint or an impression?
¿Hago una imprimación o una impresión?
  • How we answer determines whether we INFLUENCE or are AUTHORITARIANS (Autoritarios)
[APPLICATION]
  • You are a bigger influence than what you think. 
  • At home with your family, at work with your fellow laborers, at church with your fellow believers, etc., you’re being an influence. 
  • Here’s the crux (el quid) — BE A BETTER GOOD INFLUENCE!
  • In all your areas of influence you need to be better. 
  • You need to be the influence that others can be inspired by; learn from; grow through; and imitate. 

CONCLUSION
I WILL BE THE GOOD INFLUENCE THAT OTHERS CAN IMITATE
SERÉ LA BUENA INFLUENCIA QUE OTROS PUEDEN IMITA
​THE LOVE LETTERS 
LAS CARTAS DE AMOR

  • The apostle John wrote what are called “The Love Letters.”
  • The “Love Letters” we know them as:  The Gospel of John; 1, 2, & 3 of John; and Revelation — 6 books of the Bible’s New Testament. 
  • In the “Love Letters” we read the History of Jesus Christ; His Principles of Love; and an amazing Revelation of the “End Tomes.”
  • But, it is primarily about God‘s love towards us.
  • That’s the purpose of John’s Love Letters.

A LOVE LETTER
UNA CARTA DE AMOR
  • A love letter is an expression of love - a message of love and description of feelings.
  • One of the oldest references to a love letter - 5000 years ago in India - Princess Rukmini to king Krishna - Methuselah. 
  • 1477 England - Margery & John engaged marry.   
  • It’s a message:  verbal; written; text; online. 
  • WE are love letters!
“…Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it…Clearly, you are a letter from Christ…This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.” - 2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:1-3‬
“…Sus vidas son una carta escrita en nuestro corazón; todos pueden leerla…Es evidente que son una carta de Cristo…Esta «carta» no está escrita con pluma y tinta, sino con el Espíritu del Dios viviente. No está tallada en tablas de piedra, sino en corazones humanos.” - 2 Corintios‬ ‭3:1-3‬ ‭
  • Let’s be “Love Letters” now. 

GOD’S LOVE DEMONSTRATED
EL AMOR DE DIOS DEMOSTRADO
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” - Romans‬ ‭5:5-8‬

“Y esa esperanza no acabará en desilusión. Pues sabemos con cuánta ternura nos ama Dios, porque nos ha dado el Espíritu Santo para llenar nuestro corazón con su amor. Cuando éramos totalmente incapaces de salvarnos, Cristo vino en el momento preciso y murió por nosotros, pecadores. Ahora bien, casi nadie se ofrecería a morir por una persona honrada, aunque tal vez alguien podría estar dispuesto a dar su vida por una persona extraordinariamente buena; pero Dios mostró el gran amor que nos tiene al enviar a Cristo a morir por nosotros cuando todavía éramos pecadores.” - ‭‭Romanos‬ ‭5:5-8‬ ‭
  • His Gifts:  His Word; His Son; His Salvation; His Holy Spirit; His Character; His Abilities; & His Church
  • The Church:  Body of believers; Where we gather; The Hope for the world Today. 

APOSTLES OF LOVE
APOSTOLES DE AMOR
  • Meaning of Apostle - “one who is sent”
  • Jesus sent:  preach, pray; deliver; minister needs. 
  • The Calling — dedicated solely to that work. 
  • The Commission - all believers are sent with the message of love - hope to our world. 
“[Jesus] told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” - Mark‬ ‭16:15‬ 
“[Jesus] les dijo: «Vayan por todo el mundo y prediquen la Buena Noticia a todos.” - Marcos‬ ‭16:15‬
‭
3 times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?”  Jesus said, “feed my lambs…take care of my sheep…feed my sheep.” - John 21:15-19
3 veces Jesús pregunta a Pedro, “¿me amas?”  Jesús le dijo, “alimenta a mis corderos…cuida de mis ovejas…alimenta a mis ovejas.” - Juan 21:15-19

APPLICATION
  • God loves you so much that He sent you a “Love Letter.”
  • His Word is God demonstrating His love. 
  • Now, you are sent by God to demonstrate His love — to be His “Love letter.”
  • No postage required - Jesus paid the price. 
  • This letter cannot be ripped up - it’s written in your heart.
  • It won’t get lost in the mail, on the contrary, it will find the lost.
  • You are the means, the way, for the world to know that Jesus loves them. 
  • You ARE that love letter!

CONCLUSION
I AM GOD’S LOVE LETTER SENT TO MY WORLD TODAY
SOY LA CARTA DE AMOR DE DIOS ENVIADA A MI MUNDO HOY
​SEASON OF FAITH
TEMPORADA DE FE

“Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:  Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.” - 1 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ 
- - - - - 
“Sin duda alguna, el gran misterio de nuestra fe es el siguiente: Cristo fue revelado en un cuerpo humano y vindicado por el Espíritu. Fue visto por ángeles y anunciado a las naciones. Fue creído en todo el mundo y llevado al cielo en gloria.” - 1 Timoteo‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭
[INTRODUCTION]
  • A season is any period of time - begins & ends
  • Seasons of:  Year; Agriculture; Sports; etc. 
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” - Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-2‬ 
- - - 
“Hay una temporada para todo, un tiempo para cada actividad bajo el cielo. Un tiempo para nacer y un tiempo para morir. Un tiempo para sembrar y un tiempo para cosechar.” - Eclesiastés‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭
  • OUR Season of Faith begins with knowing Jesus. 
  • However, OUR Season of Faith has no end. 
“Those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” - Galatians‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭
“Los que viven para agradar al Espíritu, del Espíritu, cosecharán vida eterna.” - Gálatas ‭6:8‬ 
  • This is our Season of Faith ‭

For our Season of Faith, God gives us…

TRUE STORY - “From the Cradle to the Cross”
HISTORIA REAL - “De la Cuna a la Cruz”
  • Story of Jesus Christ - Foundation of our Faith:
    • Prophesied in the OT. 
    • Christmas - He is the reason for the season
    • Ministry - teaching, miracles, & discipling 
    • Holy Week - Death & Resurrection. 
  • John is a witness to Jesus’s death & resurrection. 
“(This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.)” - John‬ ‭19:35‬ ‭
- - -
“(La información anterior proviene de un testigo ocular que presenta un relato fiel. Él dice la verdad para que ustedes también continúen creyendo).” - Juan‬ ‭19:35‬ ‭
  • From the cradle to the cross it reveals the story, person, ministry, and purpose of Jesus Christ.

RIGHT CHARACTER - “The Fruit of the Spirit”
CARÁCTER CORRECTO - “El Fruto del Espíritu”
  • Character of Jesus
  • Character of the Believer
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” - ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭
- - -
“En cambio, la clase de fruto que el Espíritu Santo produce en nuestra vida es: amor, alegría, paz, paciencia, gentileza, bondad, fidelidad, humildad y control propio. ¡No existen leyes contra esas cosas!” - Gálatas‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭
  • No one can rule against the right character of the Believer - righteous lifestyle

POWERFUL ABILITIES- “The Spiritual Gifts”
HABILIDADES PODEROSAS - “Los Dones Espirituales”
  • Power of Jesus
  • Power of the Believer
  • Supernatural abilities that come from God
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” - Acts‬ ‭1:8‬ 
- - -
“pero recibirán poder cuando el Espíritu Santo descienda sobre ustedes; y serán mis testigos, y le hablarán a la gente acerca de mí en todas partes: en Jerusalén, por toda Judea, en Samaria y hasta los lugares más lejanos de la tierra.” - Hechos‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭‭
  • Purpose:
    • To share the Gospel of King Jesus
    • To minister to people’s needs
    • To use in everyday personal situations
    • To bring glory to God to the Giver of Gifts

[APPLICATION]
  • Your Season of Faith has no end. 
  • The truth of His Story, His Character, and Power are yours now and will remain with you forever - even in heaven. 
  • There is no end to your Season of Faith. 
  • There is nothing you can’t do for the glory of God.
  • Live your Season of Faith. 

CONCLUSION
I AM LIVING MY BEST LIFE — MY SEASON OF FAITH
ESTOY VIVIENDO MI MEJOR VIDA — MI TEMPORADA DE FE