Telling Your Faith Story
A Simple Way to Walk the Group Through the Story Only You Can Tell

Paul Durbin • Lead Pastor
November 6, 2026

5 Minute Read

Most of us have given a testimony at some point. Usually it follows Paul's pattern in front of King Agrippa — life before Jesus, how I came to Jesus, life since. Nice and neat.

Radical Mentoring asks for more. You're sharing your whole story — the good, the bad, and the ugly — so the group can actually see the journey God's had you on.

This is how to put that together.

Mentors go first.
  • At the Community meeting, your mentor told his full story and set the bar for transparency.
  • At the Story Retreat, each mentee takes a turn.
  • What the mentor modeled is what the group will deliver (so mentors, go deep, and mentees, follow the lead).
A couple of reminders before you start:
  • Be real. Transparent and vulnerable beats polished every time.
  • God gets the glory. Don't try to make it look like He didn't have much work to do.
  • The group rises and falls on honesty. This process doesn't work if we keep up appearances.

Step 1. Draw Your Lifeline

  • Grab a piece of paper and draw a horizontal line across it.
  • Divide the line into sections — one per decade of your life (0–10, 11–20, 21–30, and so on).
  • Then ask God to bring to mind the critical events of each decade — turning points, moments of truth, disasters, failures, victories, the things that shaped who you are.
  • Mark positive events above the line.
  • Mark negative events below the line.
  • Note your age at each one.
Here's a sample list from the Radical Mentoring guide:
  1. My dad abandoned our family.
  2. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.
  3. I met Mary, my future wife.
  4. Mary left me.
  5. I surrendered my life to Jesus.
  6. I was baptized.

If you end up with more than a dozen points, cross out the ones that aren't essential to your faith journey.

Step 2. Add the God Part

Next to each event, write where God was in that moment. Be honest.

For the highs:
  • Did you see His hand at the time?
  • When did you start to see how He was loving, blessing, or protecting you?
  • If you still can't see Him in one, it's okay — say so.
For the lows:
  • What did He teach you?
  • How did He redeem the situation?
  • These moments of disruption are often where the biggest learning and growth happen — and the group will probably learn more from how you got through the down times than to your victories.
Here's how that might look using the sample above:
  • Event: My dad abandoned our family.
  • God: I didn't know God then. I felt alone, abandoned, unloved.
  • Event: My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • God: II thought, “If there is a God, how could He be good?” I turned away in anger and unbelief.
  • Event: I met Mary.
  • God: She was a Christian. And because I loved her instantly, I acted like I believed, especially around her.
  • Event: Mary left me.
  • God: After 12 years, she had enough. She wanted the husband she thought she married, not the one who was constantly criticizing her. I was shocked and devastated.
  • Event: I surrendered my life to Jesus.
  • God: Her leaving forced me to look in the mirror. I didn't like what I saw. I dropped to my knees and asked God to forgive me and change me.
  • Event: I was baptized.
  • God: As I’ve become more and more aware of His presence in my life, I wanted to go public with my faith. So, I enrolled to be baptized. I invited Mary, my parents, my friends and coworkers. They watched as I told my story and went under the water. God used that day to warm Mary’s heart toward me. We got back together and…

You’re telling the group where you were, the role God played (or didn’t play) in your life, what happened next, and you’re allowing them to understand the journey you’ve been on.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Step 3. Close with "Here's Where I Am Today"

End with a short, honest statement about where you are right now — not where you hope to be, not where you were ten years ago. Right now.

A few examples:
  • "I've been a faithful follower of Jesus for years, but telling my personal stuff to you guys feels awkward. I want to lean in, but I'm uncertain. I'm going to need your help and encouragement."
  • "I've grown in my faith, but not as much as I wish I had. This much reading is going to be a challenge, but I love Jesus and I'm willing to give it my best shot."
  • "I've gotten involved in this mentoring thing and I'm not sure what I have to give. I don't feel worthy, but I'm in, and I want God to use me."

Best Practices

A few things to keep in mind as you shape and deliver your story:

  • Give insight into your heart, not just details about your life. Feelings, fears, beliefs — not just facts.
  • Clarify where you are in your faith journey today. Not the highlight reel. The truth.
  • Let the group know how they can pray for you or support you.
  • Share the events that actually shaped your beliefs. Family dynamics, adolescent markers, moving into the real world, your career, your family — with the significant moments sprinkled throughout.
  • Trust the group with what you normally protect. That's where the real connection happens.

Our group will rise and fall on how transparent we're willing to be with each other. God tends to do His best work when we stop performing and start bearing our souls — sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Be bold. Be brave. Tell the real story, so the group can see the great work God has done in you.

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Radical Mentoring

A 10-month journey of mentor-led discipleship where men grow deeper in faith, build authentic friendships, and discover God's purpose for their lives.

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From this Collection: Radical Mentoring
November 4, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Radical Mentoring Overview
What Is Radical Mentoring? Radical Mentoring is a 10-month group mentoring experience where a seasoned Jesus-follower walks alongside a small group of men (4–8) who are a few steps behind him on the journey.Apply Now What Does it Look Like? Each group meets once a month for 2-3 hours, plus two overnight retreats toward the beginning and end of the season. In addition, mentees commit to five simple rhythms: Read a Book. Each month, the mentor assigns a book. Mentees read it and bring a one-page "net-out" — their key takeaways — to share with the group. Memorize Scripture. Two verses a month, tied to that month's topic. Mentees come ready to recite them from memory. Complete a Growth Assignment. Practical homework designed to help mentees grow as Jesus-followers, husbands, fathers, and leaders. They report back at the next meeting. Build Community. Through shared pursuit and honest conversation, authentic friendships form — a band of brothers who challenge and encourage each other. Pray. Mentees pray regularly for their mentor, their group, and themselves — asking God to do something significant over the season.Apply Now What happens at the Monthly Meeting? Regroup & Prayer (15 minutes). A quick catchup to see what God's been doing in each man's life since the last meeting. Scripture Review (15 minutes). Each man recites that month's memory verses. Homework Debrief (40 minutes). The group talks through the month's growth assignment — what they learned, where they struggled, what shifted. Book Takeaways (40 minutes). Each man shares key takeaways from the book, then the group digs into what stood out. Next Month Preview (5 minutes). The mentor previews next month's book, verses, homework, and growth partner pairings. Closing Prayer (5 minutes).Apply Now What's the Vision? By the end of the season, our hope is that every Radical Mentoring “graduate” would: Know God personally with a clear picture of who He is and how He sees them as His adopted son. See God as a perfect Father who loves them immeasurably. Believe God has a unique purpose for their life. Embrace Scripture in a fresh way — memorizing it, recalling it, and applying it. Make intentional choices about time and priorities. Love the Church and stay committed to it. Have God's perspective on money and possessions. Make wise decisions rooted in godly wisdom and good theology. Live as a learner and follower of Jesus — reading, journaling, and growing. Influence their circle — moving the people around them one step closer to Jesus. Pay it forward as an intentional disciple-maker for the next generation.Apply Now The Commitment Radical Mentoring is an all-in experience. Over 10 months, each man commits to: One 3-hour group meeting per month Two overnight retreats (one near the start, one at the end) A book a month — read and summarized before each meeting Two verses a month — memorized and ready to recite A monthly growth assignment — practical homework tied to the month's topic A monthly one-on-one with a rotating "growth partner" from the group. Ready to Take the Next Step? Radical Mentoring isn't for everyone — and that's okay. It's for men who are ready to be all-in for the journey. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out a short application, and we'll be in touch to talk through next steps. Not every applicant will be placed in a group this season, but every application is prayerfully considered.Apply Nowrm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

November 4, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Mentee Covenant
Mentee Covenant Before you make this covenant, please read this overview page and apply to join Radical Mentoring first. Once you've been accepted into a group, come back to this page to review and make your commitment. I am hereby making a covenant commitment to the following: I desire to be an all-in Jesus-follower, husband (if married), father (if applicable), son, friend, disciple-maker, and leader. I want to grow in my relationship with Jesus and learn to be more like Him. I will take direct, unfiltered feedback and do everything in my power to receive it in love and learn from it. I will avoid defensiveness, realizing that when I defend, I lose the opportunity to learn. I commit to openly examine my personality, past, habits, and responses to people. I commit to attend every meeting and retreat, to be there on time, and to complete all my assigned homework. No exceptions, unless providentially hindered. I understand and agree that I will have to say "no" to important things to meet this commitment, and I am willing to do so. After we lay out our schedule for the year, I will manage my other commitments around the dates we've selected for meetings and retreats. I recognize that my mentor and group will make a significant investment in me. Because it would be unfair and disrespectful to do otherwise, I commit to the entire season and to finish well. I recognize that my mentor pledges to give me the same commitment, dedication, and energy. He will attempt to lead from a humble, transparent, and loving heart. I recognize that this mentoring process is based upon Jesus, His message, and His plan. I will be vulnerable about my relationship with Him, for the purpose of growing my faith. I commit to full confidentiality. What is said in the group stays in the group. This confidentiality does not supersede the law and must never cover up a current or future threat to the health or well-being of another person. I commit to pay it forward by investing in others for spiritual purposes. I will use this time to identify a plan for how I can serve and lead based on my gifts, season of life, and passions. I will be a disciple-maker in whatever way God leads, including potentially leading my own mentoring group. If you're married: I discussed this commitment with my wife, and she fully supports my involvement. She willingly relinquishes the time it will take to attend the meetings and retreats and to do the reading and homework, with the goal of my becoming a godlier man.Complete the Covenantrm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

November 4, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Kickoff Meeting
The Kickoff Meeting is where we come together for the first time. We'll share a meal, cast vision for the season ahead, review the covenant, and set the calendar for all our sessions. Below is everything you need to know to prepare — and what to expect when you arrive. Pre-Work 1. Review the Covenant Read the Mentee Covenant carefully. This is what you've committed to for the mentoring season, so don't skim it. If you're married, review the covenant with your wife. We want her to understand what you're being asked to do and be fully supportive of the time you'll invest — both in your homework and in your time away with the group. 2. Write a Short Bio Write a short bio and send it to your mentor. He'll share everyone's bios with the group so we can start getting to know each other before we meet. Here’s a simple template: My name is ______. I am ___ years old. (If married: I've been married to ______ for ___ years, and we have ___ children: ______.) I grew up in ______, graduated from ______ with a degree in ______, and spent ___ years working at ______ with ______ responsibilities. I got involved at ______ church in ______, and I accepted Jesus in ______. In my spare time, I like to ______. I'm participating in this process because ______. 3. Prepare Your Calendar During the Kickoff Meeting, we’ll coordinate our calendars for the entire mentoring season (monthly meetings and two retreats). Once these dates are set, they're very hard to change. Take your time and think through any dates you already know you can't meet: vacations, work trips, family reunions, anniversaries, kids' events, special occasions, etc. If you're married, talk through the calendar with your wife so it's family-approved before you arrive. Keep in mind: we'll have to make some calendar compromises to get everyone on the same page. 4. Start Praying Begin praying for your mentor and the other mentees in your group. Ask God to do something spectacular in each of our lives through this mentoring season. Agenda The Kickoff Meeting will last two to three hours. Here's what to expect: Dinner (45 minutes) We'll start by sharing a meal together. While we eat, each person will take a few minutes to share who they are, who's in their immediate family, what they do, and one reason they're excited about this mentoring season. If you have dietary restrictions, let your mentor know ahead of time. Vision for the Season (30 minutes) Your mentor will share his vision for the season — why he's chosen to do this, why it matters, and what he hopes to pour into your lives. Remember: you were prayerfully chosen for this group and that God has something special in store if you'll open yourself up to Him! The group will review “What’s the Vision?” and pray together for the journey ahead. Review the Covenant (15 minutes) You'll review the Mentee Covenant, and the group will go around reading each item aloud. This is a meaningful moment — a reminder that you're committing not just to your mentor and the group, but to God. Set the Calendar (25 minutes) This is one of the most important parts of the night. You'll pull out your calendar and work together to lock in dates for the whole season: First Meeting on Community — next month's regular meeting, where your mentor will tell his full faith story. Story Retreat — a 24-hour overnight experience. Monthly Sessions — ideally a consistent day of the month (e.g., the third Wednesday night), with adjustments for conflicts. Commencement Retreat — your final gathering, likely an overnight retreat, where you'll celebrate the season and send one another out as graduates. Once dates are locked in, your mentor will send everyone the full schedule so there's no confusion. Look Ahead Your mentor will hand out the homework for next month and walk through each piece: Book for next month: Bo's Cafe Obtain your own copy of Bo's Cafe , and bring a net-out to share with the group. Verses for next month: Community: Proverbs 27:17 Burden Bearing: Philippians 2:4 Personal & Relational Assignments Personal assignments relate to each month's topic and are meant to help you grow spiritually. If you're married, you'll also have relational assignments aimed at strengthening your marriage (often involving your wife). Growth Partner: Each month you'll be paired with a different person in the group for a one-on-one connection (coffee, breakfast, lunch, etc.) between meetings. You'll pray for your growth partner daily. Journal: You're strongly encouraged to journal throughout the season. The format doesn't matter — just capture what you're learning.rm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

November 6, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
Community
This is our first real working meeting. We'll share where life's been since Kickoff, your mentor will tell his full faith story, we'll recite our memory verses, and we'll dig into the book and homework on community. Here's how to prepare and what to expect. A quick word from Regi Campbell, the founder of Radical Mentoring, to set the tone: "Intentionality, over time, leads to isolation." Most of us don't drift into isolation on purpose. We just get busy being responsible — work, family, church, all the things — and before we know it, we're hiding in plain sight. This month is about turning that around. Pre-Work Come ready, and the meeting takes care of itself. 1. Read the Book Read Bo's Café by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol. Prepare a one-page net-out of your big ideas and key insights, and bring a copy for each man in the group. (See the Book Net-Out post if you need a refresher on how to put one together.) Here’s a great line from that book: "None of us ever get fixed. But we can mature in community." 2. Memorize Two Verses Be ready to recite both — keyword, chapter, and verse. We'll build on these every month. Community: Proverbs 27:17 Burden Bearing: Philippians 2:4 3. Personal Assignment — Who Knows You Really? Think through and write down your answers to these questions. Bring them with you. Do you have a plus one — one person who knows everything about you, from your darkest secrets to your greatest accomplishments? If not, why not? Do you have an inner circle — a group of people who will call to ask where you are when you don't show up? Who are they? If not, why not? Is it hard or easy for others to love on you? Why? If asked, "Are you lonely?" while taking a lie detector test, how would you answer What's holding you back from developing deeper community and more intimate relationships? In what ways are you really good at being a friend? Where do you struggle? 4. Additional Assignment This one splits based on your season of life. If you're married — Five Feet for Five Minutes. Starting tomorrow, when you're done with work, go directly to within five feet of your wife and engage her for five minutes. Ask about her day, her plans, what made her happy, what's weighing on her. Just listen — don't try to fix anything. Don't check the mail. Don't even go for the kids first. This is about voting her #1 with your physical presence in the first minutes you're back in her life. Non-sexual touch is fair game. Do it every day and be ready to report back. Best not to tell her what you're doing — but don't be surprised if she figures it out. Keep going either way. If you're single — Obituary. Write the obituary you'd like to see after your death (of old age, by natural causes). Third person, two pages or less. Read a few online if you need to get the hang of it. Bring copies for every mentee and your mentor. Include: Professional, community, church/ministry, and family accomplishments Quotes from three important people in your life A paragraph that opens: "In ___, he participated in a mentoring group. It was significant because…" 5. Growth Partner Get together with your assigned growth partner before the meeting — coffee, breakfast, lunch, whatever works. Here's what to talk about: If you're married: How did Five Feet for Five Minutes go? How did your wife respond? Can you keep it going? If you're single: Does engaging in community come naturally to you, or is it hard? Why do you think that is? Both of you: "Is it hard or easy for others to love on you?" and "If asked, 'Are you lonely?' on a lie detector test, how would you answer?" 6. Pray Keep praying for your mentor and each man in the group. Ask God to reveal more of Himself to you through this season — and to help you grasp the value of having a band of brothers to do life with. Agenda Plan on about three hours. Regroup & Prayer (15 minutes) Quick catch-up on what's been going on in life since Kickoff, one thing you're hoping to get out of this season, and what God's teaching you right now. Then your mentor will open in prayer. Mentor's Faith Story (45 minutes) This is one of the most important moments of the whole year. Your mentor will tell his full story — the real version, not the Sunday School one. Listen well. Next month, at the Story Retreat, it's your turn. Scripture Review (15 minutes) Everyone recites Proverbs 27:17 and Philippians 2:4 — keyword, chapter, and verse. Break (10 minutes) Homework Debrief (40 minutes) Walk through Who Knows You Really? together, then share from Five Feet for Five Minutes (married) or the Obituary (single). Book Discussion (40 minutes) Pass out your Bo's Café net-outs. Each man shares a fresh idea from the book, so we're building on each other instead of repeating the same takeaways. Next Month Preview (5 minutes) Mentor hands out next month's homework and growth partner pairings. Closing Prayer (5 minutes) Mentor prays for each man by name. Look Ahead Next month is our Story Retreat — a 24-hour overnight where each mentee tells his faith story. Your mentor will cover logistics separately. Here's what to prep: Book Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder. Read it and bring a one-page net-out with a copy for each man. Verses Identity: Galatians 2:20 New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Personal Assignments Choose to Lose — identify something you need to let go of in order to grow. Words That Describe Me — a short exercise naming the words (good and bad) that honestly describe who you are. What Lies Are You Believing? (singles only) — name the lies you've internalized about yourself, God, or life, and the truth that counters each one. Prepare Your Faith Story Start working on your own faith story now so you're ready to share it on the retreat. This Telling Your Faith Story post will help you shape it. Growth Partner New pairing for the month. Get together before the retreat. Pray Keep praying — for your mentor, each man in the group, and for God to do something you'll remember for the rest of your life on the Story Retreat.rm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

Currently Reading
November 6, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Telling Your Faith Story
Most of us have given a testimony at some point. Usually it follows Paul's pattern in front of King Agrippa — life before Jesus, how I came to Jesus, life since. Nice and neat. Radical Mentoring asks for more. You're sharing your whole story — the good, the bad, and the ugly — so the group can actually see the journey God's had you on. This is how to put that together. Mentors go first. At the Community meeting, your mentor told his full story and set the bar for transparency. At the Story Retreat, each mentee takes a turn. What the mentor modeled is what the group will deliver (so mentors, go deep, and mentees, follow the lead). A couple of reminders before you start: Be real. Transparent and vulnerable beats polished every time. God gets the glory. Don't try to make it look like He didn't have much work to do. The group rises and falls on honesty. This process doesn't work if we keep up appearances. Step 1. Draw Your Lifeline Grab a piece of paper and draw a horizontal line across it. Divide the line into sections — one per decade of your life (0–10, 11–20, 21–30, and so on). Then ask God to bring to mind the critical events of each decade — turning points, moments of truth, disasters, failures, victories, the things that shaped who you are. Mark positive events above the line. Mark negative events below the line. Note your age at each one. Here's a sample list from the Radical Mentoring guide: My dad abandoned our family. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I met Mary, my future wife. Mary left me. I surrendered my life to Jesus. I was baptized. If you end up with more than a dozen points, cross out the ones that aren't essential to your faith journey. Step 2. Add the God Part Next to each event, write where God was in that moment. Be honest. For the highs: Did you see His hand at the time? When did you start to see how He was loving, blessing, or protecting you? If you still can't see Him in one, it's okay — say so. For the lows: What did He teach you? How did He redeem the situation? These moments of disruption are often where the biggest learning and growth happen — and the group will probably learn more from how you got through the down times than to your victories. Here's how that might look using the sample above: Event: My dad abandoned our family. God: I didn't know God then. I felt alone, abandoned, unloved. Event: My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. God: II thought, “If there is a God, how could He be good?” I turned away in anger and unbelief. Event: I met Mary. God: She was a Christian. And because I loved her instantly, I acted like I believed, especially around her. Event: Mary left me. God: After 12 years, she had enough. She wanted the husband she thought she married, not the one who was constantly criticizing her. I was shocked and devastated. Event: I surrendered my life to Jesus. God: Her leaving forced me to look in the mirror. I didn't like what I saw. I dropped to my knees and asked God to forgive me and change me. Event: I was baptized. God: As I’ve become more and more aware of His presence in my life, I wanted to go public with my faith. So, I enrolled to be baptized. I invited Mary, my parents, my friends and coworkers. They watched as I told my story and went under the water. God used that day to warm Mary’s heart toward me. We got back together and… You’re telling the group where you were, the role God played (or didn’t play) in your life, what happened next, and you’re allowing them to understand the journey you’ve been on. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Step 3. Close with "Here's Where I Am Today" End with a short, honest statement about where you are right now — not where you hope to be, not where you were ten years ago. Right now. A few examples: "I've been a faithful follower of Jesus for years, but telling my personal stuff to you guys feels awkward. I want to lean in, but I'm uncertain. I'm going to need your help and encouragement." "I've grown in my faith, but not as much as I wish I had. This much reading is going to be a challenge, but I love Jesus and I'm willing to give it my best shot." "I've gotten involved in this mentoring thing and I'm not sure what I have to give. I don't feel worthy, but I'm in, and I want God to use me." Best Practices A few things to keep in mind as you shape and deliver your story: Give insight into your heart, not just details about your life. Feelings, fears, beliefs — not just facts. Clarify where you are in your faith journey today. Not the highlight reel. The truth. Let the group know how they can pray for you or support you. Share the events that actually shaped your beliefs. Family dynamics, adolescent markers, moving into the real world, your career, your family — with the significant moments sprinkled throughout. Trust the group with what you normally protect. That's where the real connection happens. Our group will rise and fall on how transparent we're willing to be with each other. God tends to do His best work when we stop performing and start bearing our souls — sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Be bold. Be brave. Tell the real story, so the group can see the great work God has done in you.rm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

November 4, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Book Net-Out
The Net-Out of a Book Each month, we read a book together. The net-out is a one-page document where you summarize what stood out to you — the big ideas, key quotes, and life application. Think of it like casting a wide net over the book to catch what's worth keeping. Why it matters For you: It becomes a resource you can return to for years. Reviewing your net-out should feel like reading the book again. For the group: Someone else may catch something you missed — and vice versa. Sharing your net-out helps everyone grow. How to put one together There's no single "right" way. Some guys write a short summary. Others list page numbers with a sentence or two about why that page mattered. Many use bullet points for key points, quotes, principles, and Scripture references. The net-out is mainly for you — do it in whatever way will be most helpful to you long-term. A few things to keep in mind: You're letting the author mentor you. Read like you're sitting across from someone who knows the subject well. We're all in this together. Everyone puts in the work. Everyone benefits. Keep it to one page. The discipline of boiling it down is part of the value. Bring a copy for each man in the group. This way, everyone walks away with each other's insights — not just your own. What a net-out looks like: Here's a sample based on The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith: Thesis: “We live at the mercy of our ideas and narratives.” I want happiness, but do I choose happiness. What is my mind focused on? Do I have the mind of Jesus? Do I choose gratitude? Happiness is conditional based on circumstances. Joy is our inner disposition, immune to external circumstances. The Good & Beautiful Life = Living “This Way of Life” Dallas Willard – Non-Discipleship: Costs us the abundant life Jesus promises us in John 10:10 Jesus’ invitation to “Come – Follow Me” is a daily invitation. Days leads to months, Months leads to years, years leads to a good and beautiful life. Radical truth to remember and return to: I am loved by God, forgiven by God, and raised to a new life in Jesus. Three types of Anger: 1) Visceral: hits us immediately, 2) Meditative: grows over time (both fueled by unmet expectations and fear) and 3) Righteous: getting angry at things that anger God “I will not leave or forsake you” = God doesn’t lose sight of us; God give us space to experiment and grow but doesn’t intrude. Lust = Greek Epithumia = objectifying another person for one’s own gratification (it is a heart issue – responding to our feelings of emptiness) Why we lie: 1) fear of what will happen if we tell the truth, or 2) desire for personal gain Jesus says all our speech should be honest, genuine, true, and trustworthy: Col 3:19: “Do not lie…taken off your old self.” Eph 3:29: “Let no evil come out…so that our words may give grace.” Becoming “more than enough” people = moving from self-centeredness to generosity because there is no fear of coming out short. Kingdom Identity: I am the one in whom Christ Dwells. Kingdom Awareness: I am in the strong and secure Kingdom of God Worry is not the same as being cautious or careful. Worry is what we do after we have planned and prepared. Worry is a disproportionate level of concern based on an inappropriate measure of fear. Worry leads to anxiety – it is impossible to be anxious without being worried. Worry keeps me focused on my unlimited resources – trust keeps my attention on God’s abundant resources. “I am a child of God, in whom Christ dwells and I am living in the unshakable Kingdom of God.” Books We’ll Read Community: Bo's Café: A Novel by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol Identity: Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder Theology: The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith Grace: The Cure by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol Prayer: A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller Godly Character: Louder Than Words by Andy Stanley Marriage: What Radical Husbands Do by Regi Campbell Sexual Integrity: Sex in a Broken World by Paul David Tripp Priorities: Ordering Your Private World, by Gordon MacDonald Finishing Strong: Finishing Strong by Steve Farrarrm

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor