Ben Goodman
Pastor of Leadership Development, Prayer, and Prophetic Ministry
Under pressure, you fall to the level of your training. Stay “Valiant for Truth” by immersing yourself in the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Life involves inevitable challenges, but Christ provides the foundation for overcoming them. Recognizing that TRUTH is the primary battleground of spiritual warfare, we must rely on spiritual training rather than standing firm in our own strength to recognize deceptive philosophies of modern culture. To become “Valiant for the Truth,” we must immerse ourselves in Scripture to renew our minds and depend entirely on the Holy Spirit for strength to prevail in knowing the TRUTH.
Scripture References from the Sermon
John 16:33 | Colossians 2:8 | Jeremiah 9:3 | Ephesians 5:18 | John 16:13 | Acts 1:8
Discussion Questions
- If we fall to the level of our preparation, what specific disciplines are you currently practicing to prepare for the next life challenge?
- Map out your thought life over the last week, where does it lead you? Toward peace in Christ or toward the “hollow philosophies” mentioned in Colossians 2:8?
- Pastor Ben stated we can’t be valiant in our own strength. How do you practically lean on the Holy Spirit to discern truth versus just trying to “study harder”?
- What are you currently “washing your brain with” (media, news, social feeds)? How does that compare to the amount of time you spend “immersed in Scripture”?
- Acts 1:8 says the Spirit gives us power to be witnesses. In what areas of your life do you feel you need to experience this power?
Fill Your City
Prayer Requests From Our Community
- Pray for healing miracles of chronic heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, fibrosis and respiratory diseases.
- Pray for First Baptist Church of Pinehurst and Pastor Johnathan Selor.
Serve Opportunities
- The Carthage Buggy Festival is May 9, and we want to SERVE our city with morning setup, monitor the KidZone, and provide support where needed. Go to https://gracechurchsp.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/897/responses/new to volunteer.
- 23 May – Join Sleep In Heavenly Peace to build beds for children in our communities. Sign up at: https://volunteer.shpbeds.org/opportunities/Grace Church Carthage.
- 26 May – Blood drive at the Carthage Campus (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) To register go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=GraceChurch.
Respond Throughout the Week
| Pray – Throughout your week, dedicate time to listening to and speaking with the Lord. | Read – Feed your soul with God’s Word daily. Review the scriptures used in the sermon. There is a link to a Bible reading guide on our website. |
| Journal – Write a summary of what you’re hearing from God every day. Capture things you’re hearing from Him. | Communion – If Jesus is your savior, consider taking the elements, at home, with your family, or Group. There is a communion guide on our website. |
| Salvation – Want to give your life to Jesus? Tell someone in your family or your Group. | Worship – Take time to thank God for who He is. Before asking or seeking, just be grateful, and tell your soul that it’s time to bless the Lord. |
| Intercede – Who is someone in your city who needs prayer this week? Also consider inviting someone to pray for you. | Give – Giving is an expression of the heart, not just your budget, by trusting God with your finances. For ways to give, go to https://gracechurchsp.org/give/. |
Event Highlight | gracechurchsp.org/events
- May 7th is National Day of Prayer. From 9:00AM-12:00PM there will be a time provided in the multipurpose room to independently seek the Lord before National Day of Prayer begins. At noon, we will gather and pray together!
- May 7th & 10th we will have child dedication during service, so if you would like to dedicate your child to God please register for our Intentional Parenting Class.