You can ignore the law of gravity at

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n God has designed this physical universe with undeniable physical laws.

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! God has designed this physical universe with undeniable physical laws. n You may wish they were not there or outright deny they exist, they still will operate in a completely consistent and dependable manner. n

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! God has designed this physical universe with undeniable physical laws. n You may wish they were not there or outright deny they exist, they still will operate in a completely consistent and dependable manner. n You can test the law of gravity now. See how long you can hold your hand out. n

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n Why does the roof over our heads resist gravity?

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! Why does the roof over our heads resist gravity? n There also unchangeable spiritual laws. n

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n There are two opposite forces at work in our hearts. (Gal 5: 16 -17)

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n Galatians 5: 16 -17 (NKJV) - I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n We need the wisdom to know ourselves and where we are in relation to this great spiritual struggle. (2 Cor 13: 5)

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n 2 Corinthians 13: 5 (NKJV) - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.

You can ignore the law of gravity at your own peril! n Let us consider the spiritual forces of “gravity” in our lives.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n We must understand that in this physical world our human flesh left on its own will push us towards fleshly things. (Rom 8: 5 -7)

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Romans 8: 5 -7 (NKJV) - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n To follow the world all you have to do is nothing.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. To follow the world all you have to do is nothing. n “Backsliding is the easiest thing to do--you do nothing. ” n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Remember that Satan is the ruler of this world. (Jn 12: 31; 14: 30)

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n John 12: 31 (NKJV) - Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n John 14: 30 (NKJV) - I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. John 14: 30 (NKJV) - I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. n The Bible describes this “pull of gravity” as “drifting. ” (Heb 2: 1 -3) n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Hebrews 2: 1 -3 (NKJV) - Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n The pull of gravity is hardly noticed.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. The pull of gravity is hardly noticed. n “Church members are like automobiles-they start missing before they quit. ” n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. The pull of gravity is hardly noticed. n “Church members are like automobiles-they start missing before they quit. ” n The opportunity of gravity is pure neglect. n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n We need the energy of God to counteract the force of gravity! (1 Jn 5: 4)

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n 1 John 5: 4 (NKJV) - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n The Lord tells us how to say supplied with His power. (Rom 12: 1 -2)

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Romans 12: 1 -2 (NKJV) - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n We must choose to renew! Here is where overconfidence can destroy us.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. We must choose to renew! Here is where overconfidence can destroy us. n God’s spiritual laws demand that we deny one power and choose to supply the other! (Rom 8: 12 -13) n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Romans 8: 12 -13 (NKJV) - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n “Some people who never consider walking in darkness sure enjoy a little stroll in the shade. ”

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Those who have yet to find a joy in worship and personal Bible study are in trouble.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. Those who have yet to find a joy in worship and personal Bible study are in trouble. n It is like exercise in the physical realm. Was it easy starting out? (Heb 5: 12 -14) n

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Hebrews 5: 12 -14 (NKJV) - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n The spiritual “couch potato” will be overcome by “gravity. ”

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n The goal of this church is to equip you to be able to “overcome gravity. ” (Eph 4: 14 -16)

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n Ephesians 4: 14 -16 (NKJV) - that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head— Christ—

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Without a daily renewal of our faith the “gravity” of worldliness will win. n This great work will not be accomplished by the fads of carnal religion.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n We need also to see our specific weaknesses to overcome gravity.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. We need also to see our specific weaknesses to overcome gravity. n What were the weaknesses of Simon before his baptism? (Acts 8: 9 -11) n

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Acts 8: 9 -11 (NKJV) - But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God. ” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Even though he genuinely believed and was baptized, Satan tempted him immediately through his previous weakness. (Acts 8: 18 -23)

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Acts 8: 18 -23 (NKJV) - And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit. ” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity. ”

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n He became envious and bitter from the loss of the earlier worldly rewards.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n What are your weaknesses?

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. What are your weaknesses? n If we are thinking at all we should be able to identify them. n

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. What are your weaknesses? n If we are thinking at all we should be able to identify them. n In the world you are taught to run from them and deny them. (Eph 4: 17 -18) n

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Ephesians 4: 17 -18 (NKJV) - This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Because of God’s grace we can look with open eyes where we stand in out struggle against the flesh. (Eph 4: 20 -24)

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Ephesians 4: 20 -24 (NKJV) - But you have not so learned Christ, 2 1 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n By knowing our weaknesses we also will learn where “gravity” will strike first!

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Kinds of weaknesses.

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Weaknesses of the flesh. (Heb 12: 1)

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Hebrews 12: 1 (NKJV) - Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Weakness of personality. (Ex. Peter, James and John)

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n Weakness of knowledge and wisdom. (Jas 1: 5)

Without an application of God’s word to our weaknesses we will fail. n James 1: 5 (NKJV) - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our marriages. n When we are first married we tend to let “gravity” pull us to a single lifestyle. n Remember, marriage is for two. (Mt 19: 6) n Matthew 19: 6 (NKJV) - So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ” n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our marriages. n When we are first married we tend to let “gravity” pull us to a single lifestyle. n Remember, marriage is for two. (Mt 19: 6) n Matthew 19: 6 (NKJV) - So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ” n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our marriages. n When we are first married we tend to let “gravity” pull us to a single lifestyle. n Remember, marriage is for two. (Mt 19: 6) n Matthew 19: 6 (NKJV) - So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ” n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our marriages. n When we are first married we tend to let “gravity” pull us to a single lifestyle. n Remember, marriage is for two. (Mt 19: 6) n Matthew 19: 6 (NKJV) - So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ” n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome We can never stop “learning” our mate or “gravity” will destroy the relationship. (1 Pt 3: 7) n 1 Peter 3: 7 (NKJV) - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. n Are you willing to learn and yield? Are you n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome We can never stop “learning” our mate or “gravity” will destroy the relationship. (1 Pt 3: 7) n 1 Peter 3: 7 (NKJV) - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. n Are you willing to learn and yield? Are you n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome We can never stop “learning” our mate or “gravity” will destroy the relationship. (1 Pt 3: 7) n 1 Peter 3: 7 (NKJV) - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. n Are you willing to learn and yield? Are you n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our working with others. n “Gravity” will make us harsh judges who write others off. n God’s power teaches us longsuffering, love and forgiveness. (Col 1: 10 -11) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our working with others. n “Gravity” will make us harsh judges who write others off. n God’s power teaches us longsuffering, love and forgiveness. (Col 1: 10 -11) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome In our working with others. n “Gravity” will make us harsh judges who write others off. n God’s power teaches us longsuffering, love and forgiveness. (Col 1: 10 -11) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Colossians 1: 10 -11 (NKJV) - that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; n In our jobs. n “Gravity” will make us selfish men who n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Colossians 1: 10 -11 (NKJV) - that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; n In our jobs. n “Gravity” will make us selfish men who n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Colossians 1: 10 -11 (NKJV) - that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; n In our jobs. n “Gravity” will make us selfish men who n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome n The Lord gives us power by an awareness of His presence. (Col 3: 22 -25)

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome n Colossians 3: 22 -25 (NKJV) Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. n In understanding the “gravity” of apostasy. (2 Pt 3: 1 -3) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. n In understanding the “gravity” of apostasy. (2 Pt 3: 1 -3) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome n 2 Peter 3: 1 -3 (NKJV) - Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts,

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Watch out when men shift the focus from what the Bible says to the personality of “brotherhood watchdogs. ” n Even if a man has a terrible reputation I still need to be tested by the scriptures. n How many have rejected the gospel because of “hypocrites in the church? ” n In reaching the lost. (2 Tim 2: 24 -26) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Watch out when men shift the focus from what the Bible says to the personality of “brotherhood watchdogs. ” n Even if a man has a terrible reputation I still need to be tested by the scriptures. n How many have rejected the gospel because of “hypocrites in the church? ” n In reaching the lost. (2 Tim 2: 24 -26) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Watch out when men shift the focus from what the Bible says to the personality of “brotherhood watchdogs. ” n Even if a man has a terrible reputation I still need to be tested by the scriptures. n How many have rejected the gospel because of “hypocrites in the church? ” n In reaching the lost. (2 Tim 2: 24 -26) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Watch out when men shift the focus from what the Bible says to the personality of “brotherhood watchdogs. ” n Even if a man has a terrible reputation I still need to be tested by the scriptures. n How many have rejected the gospel because of “hypocrites in the church? ” n In reaching the lost. (2 Tim 2: 24 -26) n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome n 2 Timothy 2: 24 -26 (NKJV) - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Many have never seen it done therefore “gravity” is all they know. n We must have leadership to show us the way to be like Jesus in seeking the lost. n In the church the pull of gravity may not be overcome! Is that true here? n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Many have never seen it done therefore “gravity” is all they know. n We must have leadership to show us the way to be like Jesus in seeking the lost. n In the church the pull of gravity may not be overcome! Is that true here? n

Areas where “gravity” must be understood and overcome Many have never seen it done therefore “gravity” is all they know. n We must have leadership to show us the way to be like Jesus in seeking the lost. n In the church the pull of gravity may not be overcome! Is that true here? n

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Humility. (1 Pt 5: 5 -6)

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n 1 Peter 5: 5 -6 (NKJV) - Likewise younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. ” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Are you teachable? Are you approachable?

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity Are you teachable? Are you approachable? n Are you angry at the thought of changing? n

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Longsuffering. (James 5: 7 -10)

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n James 5: 7 -10 (NKJV) - Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Are you a “grumbler? ”

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity Are you a “grumbler? ” n When you see your own weakness you will be merciful. (Jas 2: 13) n

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n James 2: 13 (NKJV) - For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Zeal. (2 Cor 7: 11)

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n 2 Corinthians 7: 11 (NKJV) - For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n “Still water and still religion freeze the quickest. ”

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n We should rejoice at hard preaching that pricks our hearts.

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity We should rejoice at hard preaching that pricks our hearts. n We should be thankful for the friend who corrects us. n

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Will you choose the easy way of sleep or the challenging way of faith? (Rom 13: 11 -13)

Spiritual qualities that overcomes gravity n Romans 13: 11 -13 (NKJV) - And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.