Jesus is the ONLY Way - SDT November 9, 2026

1. Would you rather be loved by everyone but broke, or be a millionaire that nobody likes?

2. Would you rather have 1 million Instagram followers who don’t know you or 5 real friends who would do anything for you?

3. Would you rather be the best player on a terrible team or the worst player on a national championship team?

4. Would you rather make $250k a year doing something you hate or $50,000 doing something you love?

5. Would you rather have unlimited money but no meaningful relationships or have incredible relationships but always struggle financially?

6. Would you rather live 100 years getting everything you ever wanted or live 40 years knowing your life made an eternal difference?

7. Would you rather be famous for something embarrassing or completely unknown but extremely successful?

8. Would you rather have 100 friends who always agree with you or 2 friends who tell you the truth even when it hurts?

9. Would you rather be the most popular person in college or the most successful person 10 years after graduation?

10. Would you rather have everyone know your biggest mistake or have nobody ever recognize your greatest accomplishment?

11. Would you rather win a national championship but never play a minute or be an All-American on a team that never wins anything?

12. Would you rather have $10 million in your bank account but only live 10 more years or have $50,000 a year and live another 60 years?

13. Would you rather be remembered as the greatest athlete in your school’s history or the person who made the biggest difference in people’s lives?

14. Would you rather tell the truth and lose your best friend or lie and keep the friendship forever?

15. Would you rather have everyone see your entire search history or hear every thought you’ve had in the last 24 hours?

16. Would you rather have a coach who loves you but rarely plays you or a coach who hates you but starts you every game?

Some of you just want to be liked by the people around you. 

Spouse 

Friends 

Job 

Kids someday 

You don’t care about the people around you 

You don’t care if your life counts for eternity because your focus is off.  

Where you work- does it matter?

When you retire - does it matter? 

How much money you have - does it matter? 

What does matter? 

1. Do you have a relationship with God and you know that he sent Jesus to save you. 

2. What are you doing with that information 

keeping it for yourself 

Sharing it with the world 

3. How do you live each day 

It’s time for some of you to get real 

Some of you have real stuff going on 

You need God now more than ever 

Commit your life to Christ right now. 

Give it to god. 

You need a real relationship with god

1. Galatians 1:6-10 — Stop Living for People’s Approval

Gal 1:6  A short time ago God chose you to follow him. He chose you through his grace that came through Christ. But now I am amazed that you are already turning away and believing something different from the Good News we told you.

Gal 1:7  There is no other message that is the Good News, but some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ.

Gal 1:8  We told you the true Good News message. So anyone who tells you a different message should be condemned—even if it's one of us or even an angel from heaven!

Gal 1:9  I said this before. Now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. Anyone who tells you another way to be saved should be condemned!

Gal 1:10  Now do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the one I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ

Challenge: Are you more concerned about being liked by people or being faithful to God?

2. Mark 8:34-37 — What Really Matters?

Mar 8:34  Then Jesus called the crowd and his followers to him. He said, "Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me.

Mar 8:35  Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me and for the Good News will save it.

Mar 8:36  It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost.

Mar 8:37  You could never pay enough to buy back your life.

Challenge: You can have the money, career, relationships, and success you’ve always wanted. But what does any of it matter if you don’t know Jesus?

3. John 14:1-7 — Jesus Is the Only Way

Joh 14:1  Jesus said, "Don't be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.

Joh 14:2  There are many rooms in my Father's house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

Joh 14:3  After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am.

Joh 14:4  You know the way to the place where I am going."

Joh 14:5  Thomas said, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Joh 14:6  Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.

Joh 14:7  If you really knew me, you would know my Father too. But now you know the Father. You have seen him."

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (ESV)

Challenge: Being a good person won’t save you. Being successful won’t save you. Being liked won’t save you. Only Jesus can save you.

MBB Pregame Chapel - Play Free

I am not here to entertain you. 

I am not here so that you come back next week so I can tell someone how many people are here. 

I am here to share with you that God loves you and I love you. 

I am your friend and I am here to serve you. 

Called by God and sent by God for you. 

I love you and I care about you. 

I want you to know God and have a relationship with God. 

I can disciple you if you even know what that means. If you don’t. Ask me.  I can meet with you one on one to share with you what the Bible says. 

I can encourage you, help you read the Bible, help you understand the Bible, help you in your life, lead you through the 52 day challenge. 

This is for you. Not for me. I enjoy this and love what I do. But it is for you. Invite someone that also needs this. Commit to this for you. 

People who matter don’t mind 

People who mind don’t matter

We need each other. 

1. Hebrews 10:24–25 — Don’t Stop Meeting Together

(KJV)

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Main point: God doesn’t just encourage believers to gather; He instructs us not to neglect meeting together.

Why do you think God tells us to meet together instead of practicing our faith entirely on our own?

2. Proverbs 27:17 — Iron Sharpens Iron

(KJV)

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Main point: Other believers help us become stronger, wiser, and more faithful.

Who in your life challenges you to become a better follower of Christ?

3. Matthew 18:20 — Jesus Is With Us

(KJV)

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Main point: Jesus promises His presence when believers gather in His name. In context, this verse particularly concerns the church coming together in agreement and accountability.

What difference does it make when people gather specifically to honor Jesus?

4. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — Two Are Better Than One

(KJV)

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Main point: We need people who will help us when life gets difficult.

Why is it dangerous to go through difficult seasons of life alone?

6. Galatians 6:2 — Carry Each Other’s Burdens

(KJV)

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Main point: Christian fellowship means helping others carry life’s struggles.

How can you help carry someone’s burden if you never spend time with them?

7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Encourage One Another

(KJV)

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

Main point: God calls believers to build each other up rather than tear each other down.

Discussion question: When was the last time another believer encouraged you when you needed it?

9. James 5:16 — Confess and Pray Together

(KJV)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Main point: Fellowship provides opportunities for honesty, accountability, prayer, and healing.

Discussion question: Why is it sometimes easier to hide our struggles than to share them with another believer?

constantly hiding who we really are?

15. Psalm 133:1 — The Beauty of Unity

(KJV)

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Main point: God values unity among His people.

Discussion question: What’s the difference between being together physically and actually being united spiritually?

saluki downtime October 19, 2026

 I am not here to entertain you. 

I am not here so that you come back next week so I can tell someone how many people are here. 

I am here to share with you that God loves you and I love you. 

I am your friend and I am here to serve you. 

Called by God and sent by God for you. 

I love you and I care about you. 

I want you to know God and have a relationship with God. 

I can disciple you if you even know what that means. If you don’t. Ask me.  I can meet with you one on one to share with you what the Bible says. 

I can encourage you, help you read the Bible, help you understand the Bible, help you in your life, lead you through the 52 day challenge. 

This is for you. Not for me. I enjoy this and love what I do. But it is for you. Invite someone that also needs this. Commit to this for you. 

People who matter don’t mind 

People who mind don’t matter

We need each other. 

1. Hebrews 10:24–25 — Don’t Stop Meeting Together

(KJV)

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Main point: God doesn’t just encourage believers to gather; He instructs us not to neglect meeting together.

Why do you think God tells us to meet together instead of practicing our faith entirely on our own?

2. Proverbs 27:17 — Iron Sharpens Iron

(KJV)

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Main point: Other believers help us become stronger, wiser, and more faithful.

Who in your life challenges you to become a better follower of Christ?

3. Matthew 18:20 — Jesus Is With Us

(KJV)

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Main point: Jesus promises His presence when believers gather in His name. In context, this verse particularly concerns the church coming together in agreement and accountability.

What difference does it make when people gather specifically to honor Jesus?

4. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — Two Are Better Than One

(KJV)

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Main point: We need people who will help us when life gets difficult.

Why is it dangerous to go through difficult seasons of life alone?

6. Galatians 6:2 — Carry Each Other’s Burdens

(KJV)

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Main point: Christian fellowship means helping others carry life’s struggles.

How can you help carry someone’s burden if you never spend time with them?

7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Encourage One Another

(KJV)

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

Main point: God calls believers to build each other up rather than tear each other down.

Discussion question: When was the last time another believer encouraged you when you needed it?

9. James 5:16 — Confess and Pray Together

(KJV)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Main point: Fellowship provides opportunities for honesty, accountability, prayer, and healing.

Discussion question: Why is it sometimes easier to hide our struggles than to share them with another believer?

constantly hiding who we really are?

15. Psalm 133:1 — The Beauty of Unity

(KJV)

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Main point: God values unity among His people.

Discussion question: What’s the difference between being together physically and actually being united spiritually?

God won't give up on You

God won't give up on you.

What is something that takes a long time to make or build? 

What about a teacher who is preparing you for a test? 

What if they quit teaching halfway through the information? 

If you want to perfect something, how long does it take? 

Why do they call it a master's degree if there are other degrees after that? 

At what point should you give up on something? 

lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22–23 says, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness"

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Genesis 3:19

"By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return".

God is not going to give up on you. God will never stop loving you 

Deuteronomy 31:4-8

4 “The Lord destroyed Sihon and Og. He destroyed those Amorite kings and he will do the same thing for you again! 5 The Lord will help you defeat these nations. But you must do to them everything I told you to do. 6 Be strong and be brave. Don’t be afraid of those people because the Lord your God is with you. He will not fail you or leave you.”

7 Then Moses called Joshua. All the Israelites watched while Moses said to Joshua, “Be strong and brave. You will lead these people into the land that the Lord promised to give to their ancestors. You will help the Israelites take that land and divide it among them. 8 The Lord will lead you. He himself is with you. He will not fail you or leave you. Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid!”

God is with you - He will not leave you - God has gone before you to prepare you for this. 

Here are 10 thought-provoking questions:

1. How many mistakes should a person be allowed before you give up on them?

2. Have you ever quit something because it was too hard?

3. Would you hire someone who had failed at the same job five times?

4. How many times would you forgive a friend who kept breaking promises?

5. Have you ever been unfriended, blocked, or ignored because of one mistake?

6. If a sports team loses every game, should the coach stop believing in the players?

7. Would you keep investing money in something that never seemed to pay off?

8. Have you ever wanted to give up on yourself?

9. Who is someone famous that most people had written off before they succeeded?

Transition

“People have limits. We eventually give up on ourselves or on others. But God is different.”

Then use verses like:

• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

• Luke 15 – The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son.

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – His mercies are new every morning.

• Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

• John 10:27–29 – No one can snatch His sheep from His hand.

A powerful closing question is:

“If God gave up on people after they failed, where would Peter be? Where would David be? Where would Paul be? Where would any of us be?”

That question naturally points to the biblical truth that God pursues, forgives, restores, and finishes what He starts.

Focus on God

SDT 9/28/26

rock paper scissor splits - 

we have been through several stories in the bible since the semester began. 

zacheaus - the one

who is your one

jeremiah - stand up for whats right. 

the why behind God. 

How have you seen God 

Work in your life 

Pray - answered 

Help  you. 

would you rather take one friend to church with you or take 20 to a party? 

Would you rather have 100 people like your post or 1 person tell you your faith encouraged them?

Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the person someone trusts with their biggest struggle?

Would you rather have 1 deep conversation about God or 20 shallow conversations about sports or entertainment?

Would you rather be popular with everyone or make a lasting difference in one person’s life?

Would you rather have 1000 followers online who admire you or 1 friend who follows Christ because you invested in them?

Would you rather spend 3 hours at a party or 1 hour helping someone who needs you?

Would you rather be remembered for how entertaining you were or how much you loved people?

Would you rather have a full social calendar or a full purpose-filled calendar?

Would you rather influence a crowd for one night or one person for a lifetime?

Would you rather be known for your success or your character?

Would you rather have a million views or one life changed?

Would you rather have everyone know your name or God know you were faithful?

Would you rather have a great weekend or a meaningful one?

Would you rather be the life of the party or the light in someone’s darkness?

Would you rather have 20 casual friends or 1 friend you can truly disciple?

Would you rather spend $100 on entertainment or $100 helping someone in need?

Would you rather win every argument or win someone’s respect through kindness?

Would you rather hear 20 compliments or one sincere “thank you for helping me grow”?

Would you rather win a championship and lose your character, or lose a championship and keep your character?

Would you rather be the star player everyone knows or the teammate everyone trusts?

Would you rather have a Division I offer or a lifelong faith that never wavers?

Would you rather train your body every day but neglect your soul, or grow both consistently?

We all have 24 hours in a day. Its your choice. No excuses. 

At your age, if you can focus on what is important, you won't have to struggle with it when 

1. you get married. 

Having your priorities straight will decrease the headache of finding the right person. 

Finances and time are already figured out. Where you spend them. 

3. You have kids

Set your face on God, and you will be able to do your best raising kids. 

4. You find the dream career - 

time and money

God will provide. If you believe that, because your personal priorities are right, then you won’t have to worry about money. 

You will be able to use your time to do Godly things

5. You are ready to retire. 

Youve already prioritized what you will do with your free time. 

You won’t be able to waste it. 

All of this starts now. Your relationship with God needs to be the most important thing. 

What gets in the way of our relationship with God? 

What do you want to be and why? 

Does God care what you do for a living? 

So what do you want to be and why? The why is important here. Probably the most important. 

Matthew 6:19-21, 24,

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. . . . No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

It is time for you to make a commitment to God in your life. 

Here are some of the strongest Bible verses that emphasize making God your first priority.

Putting God First

• Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

• The clearest verse on making God your first priority.

• Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

• Nothing should take God’s place.

What can be other God’s in our lives? 

• Luke 10:27 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.”

Choosing God Over the World

• 1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world…”

• Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Living for God’s Glory

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

Jesus Must Come First

• Luke 9:23 – “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

• Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul says he counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ.

• John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Old Testament Examples

• Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

• Psalm 73:25-26 – “Whom have I in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.”

• Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.”

A few discussion questions you could ask afterward:

• What does it actually mean to “seek first” the Kingdom?

• What competes for first place in our lives?

• How can sports, school, work, or friendships become idols?

• What would someone see differently if God truly was your highest priority?

• What’s one practical way you can put God first this week?