Cornerstone Church, S.C.

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here Find Jonathan online here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Thanks for joining us on the Cornerstone Church Podcast! Find the sermon notes here Connect with us here Partner with us financially here

Just because something: SEEMS True FEELS True STATED True Doesn't Mean it's true… New Series: A TWISTED TRUTH A twisted truth contains SOME TRUTH but is still a lie What is truth? Truth aligns with how God created the world; falsehood contradicts God's reality, even if it still “exists” in some sense within this fallen world. Truth Is: More than just facts and appearances Knowledge of what is right in God's sight, rather than man's alone. Human beings have been created to seek the truth But we cannot know all truth in ourselves, and so we need God to lead us to the Truth We can easily be led astray by falsehood. The devil is the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and he is behind every lie circulated in the world today He can only be defeated by God's Truth.   Truth = Order, Flourishing, Joy, Hope Lies = Chaos, Pain, Confusion, Suffering What does the Bible Say about Truth?   John 1:14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus is the FULLNESS of Truth John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” We worship God when we submit to the truth John 8:31-32 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truthwill set you free.”   Freedom is FOUND in the truth   John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus is the TOTAL EMBODIMENT of the Truth John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. We are FILLED with the SPIRIT OF TRUTH (Holy Spirit) Satan, as the father of lies, uses TWISTED TRUTHS to lead people astray For Every Truth of God – The Enemy of God has a Counterfeit Enemies Of God: Satan Culture Mind Genesis 3 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.'” 4 “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. A Twisted Truth -> Temptation to doubt -> Sin -> Shame TEMPTATION OF JESUS Here are a few things to keep in mind: 1: Jesus was BOTH fully God and FULLY MAN 2: Satan's lies were to distract and derail his purpose of Death and Salvation 3: Jesus' temptations we ENTIRELY REAL 4: We have a Lord who UNDERSTANDS us Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. We will discover 3 DISTINCT Twisted Truths the enemy uses Tactics Matthew 4 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Temptation 1: PHYSICAL Temptation (Doubting God's Goodness) This twisted Truth asks… “If God really loves you, He would want you to do what feels right to you” “Do what feels right” always speaks to: Our Needs Our Weakness Never where we are strong BACK TO JESUS: Jesus was Hungry Tired It didn't come at the beginning, but at the end, when he was most tired   Jesus answers with SCRIPTURE = GOD'S TRUTH   How to tell the difference between God's Truth and Satan's lies   The enemy always speaks to your needs, whereas God speaks to your potential   This twisted truth is trying to get us to… Satisfy what God can ONLY satisfy Physical lusts and desires How to spot this TWISTED TRUTH in our culture… If God is good, then… Do you feel right Do what makes you happy Matthew 4 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Temptation 2: EMOTIONAL Temptation (Doubting God's Faithfulness) This twisted Truth asks… “Does God Love me?” Satan uses SCRIPTURE… A twisting of the truth Ps 91:11-12 Tempting Jesus to say… “If God loves me, then He'll protect me.” The Need for CONSTANT REASSURANCE God Already said at Jesus' baptism that he is pleased with Him This twisted truth makes us question that all the time Allow our feelings in a moment to override our knowledge of God's love for us “If God really loves you…” If God must MEET your demands for you to know that He loves you, then you don't understand His Love Our emotions don't dictate what God should be doing How to spot this TWISTED TRUTH in our culture… Feelings over facts “If God is all loving, then I can…” “I asked God for something, and he didn't do it so he must not exist” Matthew 4 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him. Temptation 3: CONTROL Temptation (Rejecting God's Authority) This twisted Truth says… “I can be in charge” “I can take a shortcut to what I want” “Only you should sit on the throne of your life.” Tempting Jesus to Take the easy way to AUTHORITY Don't have to go through suffering and death Take what you want without God's approval Just like in the garden Wanted wisdom on their own terms When you choose to take over the throne of your life, you become RESPONSIBLE for everything in your life We are not capable of handling that responsibility God created us to be led by him Away from him, we destroy ourselves and others You cannot sin your way to a blessing Can't have things God says no to and expect good to come Can't shortcut his process to his provision/protection/blessing How to spot this TWISTED TRUTH in our culture… “You do you…” “It's you life, live if like you want…” No one can tell you… Who you are What you can be How you can live Who you love “No one's in charge of my life but me”   How do we overcome the TWISTED TRUTHS of Satan, Culture, and our hearts? 1: Recognize the pattern News days, Old lies 2: Respond with God's Word Real Truth 3: Resist in the power of the Spirit 4: Pursue the Will Of Your Father

All In Easy to be “All In” when you're winning No “Fair Weather Fan” All in means: You trust the Player's talent The coaches call The schedule etc You have “FAITH” in these things How you determine if you are ALL in or not is: It's NOT how you handle WINNING; it's how you handle LOOSING Blame others Fly off the handle or You win some; you lose some   Reclaiming Abundant Life John 10:10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Week 1: An Abundant life is a life full of the spiritual gifts of God's Holy Spirit given to His faithful followers Week 2: An Abundant Life is a PURPOSEFUL LIFE Today… An Abundant Life is a FAITH-FILLED Life What is Faith? Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith Is… 1: To be ALL IN on something Truth and Expectation CONVICTION – Deeply helps belief Not constantly questioning: Intent/motives Believe the person and their strategy 2: Not Living In the Moment Hoping in/for something even if you haven't seen in yet Assusance – Something in the future The “DISCIPLINE” of Faith It is more difficult for us because we are trained to be “LOCK INTO THE MOMENT”   Joseph Story: Sold to slavery Lied on and sent to prison Interprets dreams in prison Cupbearer Chief Baker This is a real test for Joseph's FAITH IN GOD Family In Egypt Father Dies Brothers worry about what Joseph will do Genesis 50 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Abundant Life was not in his: Position Authority But his ability to: His FAITH Allowed Him To See God's Goodness IN ALL THINGS This is what it means to be ALL IN Choosing to TRUST and SEE God's Goodness In your circumstances In your challenges In your heartbreak In you disappointments In your dreams and purpose In ALL THINGS God tempered Joseph with TIME He was not ready for the WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY Each hard season gave him training for the next House – Prison – Kingdom   Only Possible when NOT living in the moment   ALL IN/Not Living in the Moment Examples Marriage – Do you trust God enough to stay Singleness – Do you trust God to be enough Job – Do you trust God to be faithful Youth – Do you trust God enough to give him your future and identity (compromise) Do you trust God enough not to compromise on whom He says you are? Your environment does not justify your compromise   An Abundant Life is a FAITH-FILLED Life Declarations of FathFILLED abundant life: I Believe The Lord is FOR ME, not against me I Believe that my Father's way is the Best way I Believe God's best for me is yet to come, whether in this life or the next I Believe Jesus' sacrifice is for ME I Believe My Heavenly Father keeps His promises I Believe the Holy Spirit is working in me and through me

The Question WHY Frustrating when kids ask But a REALLY GOOD QUESTION WHY do you do what you do? WHY Are you here? WHY do you exist? What is your WHY? We all have one Abundant Life is a PURPOSEFUL LIFE John 10:10 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Last week… What is abundant life? Abundant life is a life full of the spiritual gifts of God's Holy Spirit given to His faithful followers   Current Statistics: 2023 Harvard Graduate School of Education More than half of young adults (58%) reported that they lacked “meaning or purpose” in their lives in the previous month and half of young adults reported that their mental health was negatively influenced by “not knowing what to do with my life.” There are many other factors that may contribute to feelings of meaninglessness and purposelessness as well as to anxiety and depression, including: The increasing focus on the self in our culture; Difficulties making choices given new, rapidly changing, and sometimes undefined career paths; Young adults marrying at older ages Declines in religious participation High social media use and other forms of digital media use A media ecosystem that floods us with frightening messages Higher expectations than their predecessors for finding meaning and purpose “Religious communities can provide you with a meta story, can give you a sense of meaning, a place across geographic boundaries and time,” Weissbourd said. “So I'm not again saying we should become more religious, but we should think about how we create some of these aspects of religion in secular life.”   2 Rules for having a PURPOSEFUL ABUNDANT LIFE Rule 1: Your purpose cannot start with you “What's my WHY?” is the wrong question for the Christian Scripture teaches that… True purpose is found in God Alone God Created ALL THINGS on purpose for a purpose 2 Types of Purpose General Purpose: The chief end of man is to Glorify God with your life   1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. This is the FOUNDATION of your WHY You exist to GLORY GOD with your WHOLE LIFE You cannot bypass this to get to your “Specific purpose” Specific Purpose/Calling: Empowered by specific gifts of the Holy Spirit Lived out through the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Can be: Something right now Something Later in life Tips to knowing your specific calling: Grow where you are planted Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. Healthy things grow Whether you are a… Parent Student Spouse Employee Leader Teacher Your calling will often follow your gifts/passions But the Lord can “ADD TO” the meet what He has purposed you for   Your Purpose is for you but not ABOUT YOU Bigger than you Will take FAITH/OBEDIENCE   Rule 2: God's Purpose for your life Is a PROCESS, Not a PLACE   God's purpose for your life is not linear Romans 8:20 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Process = Sanctification Sanctification: The process of being made into the image of Christ in your life   Joseph in Potiphar's house Summarize up to this point Joseph's dreams   Genesis 39 1 Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful, 4 Joseph found favor with his master and became his personal attendant. Potiphar also put him in charge of his household and placed all that he owned under his authority. 5 From the time that he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph. The Lord's blessing was on all that he owned, in his house and in his fields. 6 He left all that he owned under Joseph's authority; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.   Rule #1 in action: Your purpose cannot start with you If your purpose starts with you, you can never live higher than your circumstances Joseph – Doing all things to the GLORY OF GOD God blessed him But he wasn't fulfilling his “SPECIFIC CALLING” The dreams Being faithful in his difficulty paved the way for future purpose New Troubles are on the way… Now Joseph was well-built and handsome. 7 After some time his master's wife looked longingly at Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.”   8 But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master's wife, “with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority. 9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do this immense evil, and how could I sin against God?”   10 Although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her. 11 Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there. 12 She grabbed him by his garment and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his garment in her hand, he escaped and ran outside. She kept his garment and lied to her husband 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him—“These are the things your slave did to me”—he was furious 20 and had him thrown into prison, where the king's prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison. Rule #2: God's Purpose for your life Is a PROCESS, Not a PLACE When you are living in God's purpose, the enemy will ALWAYS send you a “POTIPHAR'S WIFE“   2 things: Distraction Easier way If your WHY is found in the right thing, you can say NO to the wrong things When our purpose is grounded in God, it allows us to let God shoulder the burden When we choose OUR OWN purpose, we become responsible Rule 1: Your purpose cannot start with you Rule 2: God's Purpose for your life Is a PROCESS, Not a PLACE

Reclaiming hearts & minds Not with Physical swords but THE SPIRITUAL SWORD Hebrews 4 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Not just DEFENSIVE but OFFENSIVE Matthew 16 18 …and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.   Series: RECLAIMING ABUNDANT LIFE John 10:10 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Key question: What is Abundant Life? Abundant life is NOT: Wealth/Health/Fame Make life easier but not more abundant Cynthia Heimel, “Tongue in Chic” column in The Village Voice, January 2, 1990. Atheist/feminist writer in the 90s/2000s “I pity celebrities, no I really do – [celebrities] were once perfectly pleasant human beings. But now their wrath is awful. I think when God wants to play a really rotten practical joke on you he grants you your deepest wish and then laughs merrily when you realize you want to kill yourself. You see [these people] wanted fame. They worked, they pushed and the morning after each of them became famous they wanted to take an overdose. Because that giant thing they were striving for, that fame thing that was going to make everything OK, that was going to make their lives bearable, that was going to provide them with personal fulfillment and happiness had happened and they were still them. The disillusionment turned them howling and insufferable.”   Power/Authority Just hungry for more power No one ever said, “This is enough power”   Pleasure/Satisfaction Become numb… Always need more Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” “The paradox is that hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure for it's own sake, leads to anhedonia. Which is the inability to enjoy pleasure of any kind.”   An Arrival point Life changes. Things happen   A lack of struggle Many have found deep joy in the struggle Note: These things are TOOLS, but they are NOT where abundant life is FOUND The enemy wants us to trade GOD for GIFTS   Context of Jesus' statement: John 10 1 “Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 7 Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus is: The Gate – The Only Way in (Protection) The Shepherd – The Only Way Out (Authority)   Key Question: What is ABUNDANT LIFE? What is the “THEIF” False abundant life What is the Abundant Life of Jesus? True abundant life Galatians 5 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,… 20 idolatry, sorcery,… hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger,… selfish ambitions,… dissensions, factions,… 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.   When brought to light – Disgusting, gross, vile 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. There are a few things to note about the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT 1: Only available to the Christian believer Common grace means all can experience “SOME,” but only the Christian can experience the “FULL WORK AND BLESSING OF THE SPIRIT” 2: Not Behavior Modification but SPIRIT TRANSFORMATION Both are a process; only one is REAL CHANGE 3: Fruit of the Spirit are not “Weak” Love = Sacrifice Joy = The Natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled Peace = Lacking any anxiety Patience = slow to anger as we wait for God to provide comfort and justice Kindness = Righteous, genuine Concern for another Goodness = Selflessly acting on behalf of others Faithfulness = believing that God is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the challenges of life Gentleness = Might restrained through Humility and grace. Self-control = Moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our baser desires and fleshly lusts   Imagine: This kind of Parent This kind of boss This kind of church This kind of world   Are you looking for an Abundant Life? Questions to ask yourself: 1: Am I allowing the thief to convince me to trade the fruit of abundant life for cheap substitutes 2: Am I acting as my own god by trying to achieve my personal version of abundant life? Conclusion: A truly abundant life is one full of the spiritual gifts of God that are given to His faithful followers.

Fighting in a relationship The “problem” usually isn't the “problem” Is a symptom of a Deeper issue Deeper Issue: Selfish Hurt Bitterness Anger In order for the relationship to FLOURISH, you have to get to the ROOT CAUSE This makes the relationship healthy Something we all know… Healthy Things grow Fruit trees produce fruit Also… When we are healthy, the important things in our lives grow fruit Relationships People/Kids Ideas Actions Etc… It is the time of year when we all take stock of where we are Health Finances Friendships What is important to us Do more of Do less of As Christians, we ask different questions What does God's Word say about being healthy? Takes clues from Paul… Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. To be spiritually healthy, we must grow by the “Making New” of our minds The important question is… HOW How is our Mind renewed?   What is our MIND? The way we… Think Feel Act React WHY behind the WHAT The reason this is important is because our culture has answers for this… Manifesting/Visualizing what you want Manifestation is the idea that you can bring a positive outcome into your life by simply “claiming” it as your own and believing it will happen   Scripture has another answer Let's look at a parable Jesus told What is a parable? Parable = A short moral story that tells of a spiritual and theological truth   Also found in: Mark 4 & Matthew 18 Luke 8 4 As a large crowd was gathering, and people were coming to Jesus from every town, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some seed fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6 Other seed fell on the rock; when it grew up, it withered away, since it lacked moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns; the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 Still other seed fell on good ground; when it grew up, it produced fruit: a hundred times what was sown.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”   Find there are 3 possible outcomes/responses: 1: NO GROWTH (Unhealthy) 2: SOME GROWTH – NO FRUIT (Sick/Diseased) 3: HEALTHY GROWTH WITH FRUIT   Jesus tells the meaning of His parable… Luke 8 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. The learned truth and revelation of God to us, His people This Truth is Spoken, read, heard, learned 2 Timothy 3 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Back to Jesus' Parable… Luke 8 12 The seed along the path are those who have heard and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.   1: NO GROWTH (Unhealthy) Not those that “have believed and lost their salvation” These are those who have HEARD TRUTH — and REJECTED IT Our culture They are “HARDENED” by sin/disbelief Hard Heart Rather believe the lie than receive truth OUR RESPONSE: Pray for the hard hearts to soften to God's truth and salvation Luke 8 13 And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and fall away in a time of testing. 14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.   2: SOME GROWTH – NO FRUIT (Sick/Diseased) Both show a different side of… SHALLOW FAITH Seed on the rock – Shallow when Hard time Come There is no strength to stand strong Wise and foolish man Seed in the thorns – Shallow when Temptation comes The Child who chooses the easy things NOW over better things to come Prodigal son Pay close attention here… This is the category of MANY CHRISTIANS Don't see any fruit in their life because their faith is SICK/DISEASED OUR RESPONSE: What's your fruit? Are you? Jealous or Content Complainer or Thankful Bitter or Forgiving Impatient or Steadfast Proud or Humble Finally… Luke 8 15 But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, produce fruit. 3: HEALTHY GROWTH WITH FRUIT Healthy things grow… We established that… To be spiritually healthy, we must grow by the “Making New” of our minds   Our minds are made new through… Faith – Trusting (Hearing the word with an honest and good heart) Faithfulness – Persevering (Enduring to produce fruit) Final Challenge: Determine the Atmosphere of your heart/mind The Atmosphere is the… Patterns Processes Environments That you live in regularly   What you: See Hear Consume   Who you are: Surrounded by Influenced by Lead by   Jesus' Warning Luke 8 16 “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light. 17 For nothing is concealed that won't be revealed, and nothing hidden that won't be made known and brought to light. 18 Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.” Start Strong! Make church attendance a PRIORITY Make reading your Bible a PRIORITY Make regular prayer a PRIORITY

Christmas is about a CHOICE The most important choice any of us will ever make Series: SONGS OF CHRISTMAS HOPE – Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel STORY – Go Tell It on the Mountain Our song this week… Oh Come all Ye Faithful This song speaks of God's GLORY Before we look at the song, we need to do a little Theology First, Let's define GLORY GLORY: Beauty, power, or honor: a quality of God's character that emphasizes His greatness and authority The word is used in 3 senses: 1: God's moral beauty and perfection of Character Psalm 113:4 The Lord is exalted above all the nations, his glory above the heavens. We all fall short of this version of God's glory… Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 2: The Audible honor and praise of His creation Revelation 5:13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! The last and for us today, most important… 3: The manifestation of God's Presence Leviticus 9:23-24 23 Moses and Aaron then entered the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came from the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell facedown. There was a problem though… Only a few could approach this version of God's Glory Was very dangerous Because of Israel's rebellion, God removed His Glory Vision in Ezekiel For generations, God's Glory/presence seemed gone from the world… until… John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. 14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. This in Christian theology is called… THE INCARNATION: The act of being made flesh. That Jesus, being fully God, took on human flesh, also becoming fully human Now, with that understanding, let's look at this week's song O come all ye faithful (Just 3 verses) 1. O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels; 2. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb; Son of the Father, begotten not created; 3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; Refrain: O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Back to our this or that Game Choices made based on preference Christmas is a reminder of the choice that lies before each of us… Before the world   Story of the Wise Men Wisemen from the east came looking for the “ONE BORN KING OF THE JEWS” Came following a star   Herod was king of Jerusalem A puppet king through Rome Ruthless and evil Herod was also clever… Tricked the Wisemen… Matthew 2 7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route. Herod flew into a rage and demanded that all boys under 2 in Bethlehem be put to death What does this story teach us? The same thing O Come All Ye Faithful The Glory of God Demands Response The enemies of God try to convince the world that you can NEUTRAL You don't have to pick any side But God has INTERRUPTED this world with the birth of Jesus Nothing will be the same God's GLORY has COME AGAIN What is our only response to the GLORY OF GOD? We either WORSHIP Him or HATE Him Worship or kill him Let's play THIS OR THAT – Luke 2 edition Worship Jesus like the Wisemen Brought valuable things recognizing the GLORY of Jesus Choose to remain the “KING” and destroy anything that threatens your authority Like Herrod You may say… “But I'm not trying to be King…”   Here's the key question What are you regularly surrendering to God in recognition of his GLORY? Presence and perfection/power The gifts of the Magi were things of VALUE What are some things of VALUE that we should be giving to God? Maybe some physical things Money/resources Time God is not as interested in those things as He is in other things… Dreams – Willing to give those to God? Trauma – Willing to give it to God? Sexuality – Willing to give it to God? Fears – Willing to give it to God? Those are pretty terrible gifts… But it's what he wants This is not the only time we have seen this Chief priests to Pilot John 19 15 They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?” “We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered. 16 Then he handed him over to be crucified. At it's heart, Christmas is a season of RESPONSE What are we responding to? John 1 14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. The GLORY of the Lord made known to us in Christ Jesus What is our response? O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Every Culture has it's Stories What matters Who or what holds valueimportance How to fit in Etc The stories that we believe in have REAL IMPACTS in our life Forms our value system Forms our identity Forms our morality   We are in the middle of a “STORY REWRITE” in our culture Forcing you to choose which story to be a part of This week, our song is… Go Tell It on the Mountain Go Tell It on The Mountain 1 While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. 2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo, above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth. 3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain] Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and ev'rywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. SONG HISTORY: Born Pre Civil war in the spiritual songs of enslaved African-Americans Similar to “Swing low sweet chariot Sung at Christmas time Later publish by John Wesley Work Jr in Late 1800s   Based on this passage… Luke 2:8-20 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told. 1: Christmas Tells Us God's Story Luke 2 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! This is GOD'S STORY This is HIS WORLD We are HIS PEOPLE We should think of it this way… Christmas is FOR us, but it's not ABOUT us It's the moment in time what God chose to put on flesh and become one of us Philippians 2:5-11 5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Christmas is the TURNING POINT in the STORY It's about Christ coming as KING God coming to us, not him being separated God is CLOSE, not far away   But it's all GOD, the whole thing Again Christmas is FOR us, but it's not ABOUT us   A song like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” understands this It's all about Jesus There's no “ME” in it There is a lot of “ME” in our Christmas, which makes Christmas… Cheap Selfish Uninteresting How can we help change that? By remembering… Christmas is FOR us, but it's not ABOUT us But there is something else that this Story and this Song teaches us Not only does Christmas tell us God's Story, but… 2: Christmas invites us into God‘s story The Christmas Story in an INVITATION   Invitation into something BIGGER than yourself Invitation to get past yourself Past your problems Past just your wants and desires Invitation to be a part of GOD'S STORY There are MANY way for us to be involved in that story, but the most fundamental is… BY TELLING THE STORY Luke 2:17 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. If you truly understand the story, it compels you to tell anyone and everyone The power of a song like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” Written and Sung by enslaved people who understood their story as part of a much LARGER story They understood Christmas far more than we do The Christmas story tells us what REALLY MATTERS People Especially those who are often on the “OUTSIDE” of who we think is important Christmas is an INVITATION to see the heart of our GOD What matters to HIM The lengths that He is willing to go for us So what is the STORY OF CHRISTMAS? Christmas is FOR us, but it's not ABOUT us The Christmas Story in an INVITATION To be a part of what KING JESUS is doing in the world

In our modern world, Christmas is all about… ANTICIPATION Anticipation: Waiting eagerly for something you know is going to happen Gifts Food Gatherings Lights The Story of Christmas is actually about a DIFFERENT type of waiting… LONGING Longing: A strong desire, especially for something unattainable Let's talk about longing before we get to how it is a part of Christmas We have all experienced some sort of longing Nostalgia – Longing for a time in the past Sorrow – Longing for something lost Grief – Longing for someone who is gone We can long for… An opportunity that may never come Health outcome Financial windfall Etc   Longing – The Cracked Bowl Regardless of how much is put in, it always runs low Our hearts/souls also leak We are constantly needing to FILL BACK UP This leak is LONGING The trouble is… Our world offers MANY things that claim to “FILL OUR BOWL” To fix the longing Things like… Stuff – But it is never enough (The bowl leaks) Relationships – But we always get let down (The bowl leaks) Physical pleasure – We always have to have more (The bowl leaks) “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” ~C.S. Lewis New Series Called… THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS More than any other holiday, Christmas is defined by it's MUSIC Some are “Jingle Bells” But some speak a powerful truth… Each week… Taking a different song and discovering it TRUTH SONG: O come, O come, Immanuel History: Over 1,200 years old Originally written in Latin Sung for centuries of Christians speaking to the LONGING of our souls and world Let's look at a few lines from the song… 1 O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. 4 O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o'er the grave. 5 O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death's abode. 6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light. 7 O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace. But then there is the REFRAIN Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. You can feel the LONGING Not at home Something we wait for but cannot get ourselves How should we respond to a song like this? John 4 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, 8 because his disciples had gone into town to buy food. 9 “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,' you would ask him, and he would give you living water.” 11 “Sir,” said the woman, “you don't even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water'? 12 You aren't greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.” 13 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” 15 “Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and come here to draw water.” 16 “Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.” 17 “I don't have a husband,” she answered. “You have correctly said, ‘I don't have a husband,'” Jesus said. 18 “For you've had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” Jesus points out the area of LONGING in her life It's uncomfortable for her It's uncomfortable for us The Longing in our heart must be filled with something… So make sure it's the right thing Jesus is the answer to the Longing of our hearts 19 “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” She tries to shift the conversation off of herself She's uncomfortable Having your heart examined by God is UNCOMFORTABLE 21 Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” This should be our goal every day. To Worship God in… SPIRIT: In the Spirit, by the Holy Spirit. Not driven by our own emotions but deeply emotional TRUTH: The revelation of God in Jesus Christ. There is no other truth but Him   25 The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am He.” She knows that the answer to the LONGING in her heart is not all these relationships How do we respond? 1: Every Christmas, we RECOGNIZE the longing in our hearts and in the world This is why our world is so broken, just a bunch of letdowns and heartbreaks We constantly examine ourselves to make sure that our longing is not driving us to TEMPORARY THINGS   2: Every Christmas, we ANSWER our longing with the HOPE of JESUS – Immanuel – God with us   We have a HOPE-FILLED LONGING Christ HAS COME, He will COME AGAIN   The HOPE of Christmas is… ALL OUR LONGING IS FILLED IN THE HOPE OF JESUS CLOSING PRAYER Father in Heaven, You know my hopes, dreams, and disappointments. I have deep needs that only you can meet. Please forgive me for putting my confidence in so many other things instead of in You, the Giver of life. Help me know that You see me and know me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Thankfulness changes as you age… Stuff Relationships Health KEY QUESTION: Why is Thankfulness/Gratitude so important? Not your easy Sunday school answer Why do we teach it to our kids? Because… Being thankful is POWERFUL It is well-documented that GRATITUDE and ANXIETY cannot exist in our brains at the same time It also… Releases Toxic emotions Reduces physical pain Improves sleep quality Regulates stress Reduces depression This shouldn't surprise us… Psalm 92:1–4 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, 2 to declare your faithful love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre. 4 For you have made me rejoice, LORD, by what you have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands.   True thankfulness is pointed at God A study at Pepperdine University found… First, those with religious gratitude reported markedly higher levels of nonreligious gratitude. More centrally, however, religious beliefs may provide unique opportunities to experience gratitude. While interpersonal gratitude (i.e., gratitude to another human being) can occur in the absence of religion, gratitude towards God can, by definition, only occur in the context of religion or spirituality. Further, even positive happenstance (e.g., finding money on the street) or the simple recognition of blessings in one's life (e.g., the capacity to walk) may be catalysts for gratitude towards God, though such events are less likely to facilitate interpersonal gratitude. Religion may thus uniquely facilitate the emotion gratitude through the perception of a larger set of agents, and the broadening of circumstances in which gratitude can occur. It was further observed that the religious gratitude group fared better on measures of happiness, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and mental health than those with secular gratitude. All differences between groups were moderate to large in magnitude… God created us with the CAPACITY and the NEED to be thankful It finds its fullness in Him DEFINITIONS Gratitude + Thankfulness It's one thing to be grateful. It's another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do. ~ Pastor Timothy Keller   Title of this message is… “What I'm MOST Thankful For” The challenge for us is to think DEEPER about thankfulness How it should SHAPE OUR LIVES 1: I'm Thankful for the GIFT of Thankfulness Let's look at a quick story… Genesis 4 Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won't you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Unthankfulness is a DOORWAY for the Enemy to come in and take advantage in your life The opposite of thankfulness isn't just “Ingratitude” or “Unthankfulness”… Bitterness Jealousy Hatred/spite This is why Paul teaches Christians… 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I'm thankful for the GIFT of thankfulness because it reminds me of God's GOODNESS and MERCY as well as keeps me from the SIN of INGRATITUDE and SELFISHNESS   2: I'm Thankful for the DISCIPLINE of Thankfulness Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The Bible taught the benefits of thankfulness LONG before philosophers or psychiatrists Paul says… “BUT IN EVERYTHING” Relationships Tasks Job Health Being grateful doesn't mean you pretend that everything is good We're grateful DESPITE everything being good “BUT IN EVERYTHING…” This is DISCIPLINE Training our hearts and minds to healthy habits This is how we pray Don't start with “GIMME!” Start with “THANK YOU” 3: I'm Thankful for the MATURITY of Thankfulness Philippians 4 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.   What we are thankful for shows our MATURITY in the LORD What a child is thankful for vs an older Saint Maturity is realizing that thankfulness is not dependent on a SEASON or CIRCUMSTANCE Maturity is also knowing that… Thankfulness is a WEAPON in our battle for SIN and for the SOULS OF OTHERS 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ's triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. 15 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

Last Week – Living in the tension We do that by understanding the NATURE of politics in this world… Politics are downstream of philosophy (how we think) and morality (what we do) Sum up of Daniel's story Chapter 1: Captivity Introduced to Daniel and his friends Captives take from their home by invading Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar Given new identities – Names of new pagan Gods Educated in the ways of Babylon but remain faithful God rewards them… Daniel 1 17 God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind. 18 At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief eunuch presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to attend the king. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and mediums in his entire kingdom. Chapter 2: Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Nebuchadnezzar has a disturbing dream He orders all his “wise men” to interpret, but they cannot Decrees…   Daniel 2 5 …“My word is final: If you don't tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be made a garbage dump. Daniel gathers his friends to pray for God to give them wisdom and direction God answers by giving Daniel both the DETAILS of the dream and the INTERPRETATION Daniel Goes before Nebuchadnezzar… Daniel 2 26 The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, medium, magician, or diviner is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days. Daniel give the correct interpretation Daniel 2 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell facedown, worshiped Daniel, and gave orders to present an offering and incense to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Your God is indeed God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon. Chapter 3: Fiery furnace But How quickly kings forget… Sometime in the future… Nebuchadnezzar builds a gold statue of himself for people to worship Makes a decree that all must worship it at a specific sound, and those who do not will be killed Some wise men plot against the Jews and tell the king of their rejection of worship Nebuchadnezzar confronts them…   Daniel 3 15 Now if you're ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don't worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire—and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to give you an answer to this question. 17 If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. 18 But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” Chapters 4-5: King's judgment Story of what happens to those who worship power and authority Turns them into beasts Nebuchadnezzar turns into one Chapter 6: Lions Den New King Daniel was put into one of the highest seats of authority Causes jealousy in his peers They trick the new king Daniel 6 10 Daniel went into his house when he learned that the document had been signed. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. We know the rest of the story Daniel doesn't get eaten The king turns to the Lord The book of Daniel ultimately teaches us a PATTERN and a PROMISE Pattern: Worldly people and kingdoms become BEASTS when they don't acknowledge God's rule and Kingdom   Promise: God will one day DEFEAT the beasts and rescue His world This is the tension… We should be asking this question… HOW could Daniel live in this TENSION? Find that answer here… Daniel 9 2 In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books according to the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah that the number of years for the desolation of Jerusalem would be seventy. 3 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This is what Daniel was reading… Jeremiah 29:1 1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining exiled elders, the priests, the prophets, and all the people Nebuchadnezzar had deported from Jerusalem to Babylon. 3 …The letter stated: 4 This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Find wives for yourselves, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and give your daughters to men in marriage so that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. 7 Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” 11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord's declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you”… How do Christians help the nations to thrive? 1: Christians help nations thrive by understanding Authority 1st, Christians understand that ALL authority begins with God   John 19 10 So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?” 11 “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn't been given you from above.   2nd, Christians understand that God has given rulers/governments authority   Romans 13 1 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God's servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God's servants, continually attending to these tasks. 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.   We understand that God uses both the righteous and the wicked for his purposes   BIBLICAL DISOBEDIENCE We follow God's authority over ANY OTHER AUTHORITY Even at a great cost   3rd, Christians understand that authority should be used to help nations flourish but should never be worshiped Daniel did not run from authority But he did not trade his character to keep it When the city we are in thrives, we will thrive We pursue human flourishing ANYWHERE, and ANY TIME we are There is always a risk that those who are given authority will bend to worshiping it we are not those people 2: Christians help nations thrive by being a prophetic voice Prophetic: Speaking the revelation God's truth, word, and way Daniel spoke the truth to EVERY KING IN POWER Even at the cost of his life We speak truth to ALL those in charge and remind them WHO they will be accountable to God's kingdom over political affiliation We do not cozy up to those in authority, but ALWAYS SPEAK TRUTH TO THEM We are bound to God's truth This is the LIGHT IN THE DARK Salt of the earth

We are looking down onto our current moment from a Biblical perspective If you are already offended, this conversation is not for you   Two-week series called: THRIVING IN BABYLON What is Babylon? Historical city of beauty, power, and evil God used the city as judgment on the People of Israel Destroyed Jerusalem and carried off much of its people Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Babylon became a SYMBOL Babylon is used as a symbol to represent the center of human society that is hostile to God Babylon symbolizes Rome in 1 Peter 5:13 and Revelation, referring to the church in Rome as “she who is at Babylon.” Like ancient Babylon, Rome was immoral and idolatrous, oppressing Judean exiles and persecuting Christians. Like Daniel and many others, we are called to live in the tension between God's Kingdom and worldly kingdoms. More on Daniel next week   How do we do that? By Living in the tension… Living in Tension Rubber Band Tension Point #1: Regardless of who is elected, Jesus is still in charge Matthew 28:18 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This means: We care about nations and their people, but never forget where our future lies… Philippians 3:20 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. We keep our eyes on the CORRECT THINGS in mind The is only ONE messiah We can take a lesson from Joshua Joshua 1 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. Not our opinions of emotions that direct us, but God's instruction   Let's talk about an important question… Should Christians care/be involved in our government? The answer is YES, but why… Tension Point #2 Christians should care about government and politics because they affect Human Flourishing   Leadership Matters… Poor leadership leads to poor outcomes   This is part of the TENSION Many of us may have differing views on WHO or WHAT makes a good leader…   Let's talk about HOW WE GOT HERE… Culture is downstream of cult Cult – The overall belief and actions of the whole To say it another way… Politics are downstream of philosophy (how we think) and morality (what we do) The Culture determines the politics If the culture moves in one direction and politics in another direction, Culture will OVERWHELM the politics   Our current political environment is a product of the last 30-50 years of moral and philosophical changes in our culture So here are some critical questions? 1: How do Christian believers need to influence our current culture to honor God more in the 20 years that it does now? 2: Who's policies will slow or increase our society's decay?   Christians have been the best source of THRIVING (human flourishing) over the last 2000 years Not perfect, but the best thing for society   >What are some examples of HISTORIC Christian Values and Morality? Christians believe that the family unit is an essential part of God's plan for human flourishing   Matthew 19 4 “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that he who created them in the beginning made them male and female, 5 and he also said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” What are policies that affect the family? Divorce policies (no-fault divorce) Redefinition of marriage Incentives that keep families intact Who benefits from healthy families? Children Women Orphans The church Another historic Christian value is… Christians believe that ALL human life reflects God's image in creation Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. James 3:9 9 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God's likeness. This has led to… End of slavery in the west Medical care (nurses) Social programs Women's rights etc… It also led to our country's founders writing… Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness Have not lived up to that standard, but it is still unique to our country The value is the ideal, regardless of how well or poorly it has been followed In any country that they live, Christians should be about trying to make a “RIGHT” society A society that does right both before God and for its people >>A right society protects the most vulnerable Poor Broken Orphans Widows Unborn >>A right society teaches and promotes the responsibility of the individual for the collective   2 Thessalonians 3:10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn't willing to work, he should not eat.” Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, Why we do the things we do matters… >>A right Society instructs and enforces righteous morality   Don't get gaslighted by saying like: “Don't try to legislate your morality!” All legislation IS MORALITY It's WHO”S MORALITY The Morality a Government endorses has consequences Good – The FLOURISHING of people and society (especially women and children) Bad – Crime, instability, destruction (especially women and children) All morality is imposed through Violence The thief imposes violence on the victim The state imposes violence on the thief There is righteous violence and unrighteous violence   What is the Role of Government Maintaining law and order Protecting rights Promoting social justice Law-making and policy implementation Romans 13 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason.   Why should we care about politics as Christians? Matthew 5:13-14 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. It is a significant way to love our neighbor We care about government and politics because they affect Human Flourishing Politics matters because policy matters because people matter. ~ Allie B Stuckey   The problem isn't that the church has gotten more “political” but that the government has gotten more Philosophical   Things to think pray through the country votes: 1. Our identity in Christ determines our view of politics. Politics do not determine our identity. ~ Derwin Gray Most Christians in history have never heard “Democrat” or “Republican” 2: A vote is NOT a valentine ~ Josh Howerton You are voting for POLICIES, not just the person 3: You are called to love your neighbor/enemy on Wednesday the same as you are today Romans 14 For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Week 1… Know that you are in a spiritual battle Week 2… Walk in the light because the dark creates monsters Week 3… Wear the “uniform/armor” of the Christ Believer Week 4: Pray to know God and advance His kingdom   Ephesians 6:10-18 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.   How do we stand? How do we fight for our life? With a plan for Battle! How do you stand when things aren't going well/your way? When life is unusually difficult   A plan for battle… Step 1: Recognizing the season you're in Ecclesiastes 3 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Your season dictates your capacity Recognize your season so you can fight the enemy properly Some seasons are inward Distraction Weakness Fear Weariness Unbelief Denial Frustration Grief/hurt Some seasons are Outward Season of life Work time/stress Kids Physical issues   Your season can make it seem like you are drowning Your enemy will use this to his advantage   A plan for battle… Step 2: Address Continual Sin Sin Separates People from God People from People People from the Spirit's power in their life James 1:14-15 14 Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Be killing sin or it will be killing you. ~ John Owen (1600's) Don't be convinced that your sin is “neutral” **SOME Examples of Sneaky Sin** What we think What we see How we respond John Owen's “The Mortification of Sin” Diagnose sin's severity Grasp sin's serious consequences Be convinced of your guilt Earnestly desire deliverance Consider the relationship between your sins and your natural temperament Avoid occasions that incite sin Address sin's first signs Meditate on God's glory Don't rush to comfort yourself   Romans 8 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Be Killing Sin of it will be killing you…   A plan for battle… Step 3: Know Who You Are Romans 8 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. You are Sons and Daughters of God   “MY DAD CAN BEAT UP YOUR DAD…” MY DAD CAN BEAT UP MY DEVIL”   Children expect good things Children trust their father   Some of you did not have healthy relationships with you fathers, but God is not that kind of father, He is a GOOD FATHER   A plan for battle… Step 4: Grab a Hand and Lend a Hand Genesis 2:18 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him.” No solo fighters Strength in numbers Alone and vulnerable Your faith as a shield protects me, those next to me, and those wounded around me Mentor/training   Hebrews 10 24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.   Romans 8 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Take Courage Fight the good fight!

Silence in your prayer life is hard… Many of us have laid prayer aside Prayer is a POWERFUL weapon against Darkness Series: FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE Week 1… Know that you are a part of a spiritual battle Week 2… Walk in the light because there are monsters who destroy in the dark Week 3… Wear the “uniform” of the Christ believer Today, we are looking at how PRAYER plays a part in spiritual warfare The Spiritual Warfare in Ephesus Let's look at what was happening during Paul's ministry Acts 19 23 About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods. 27 Not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. This is the context of Paul's letter This stuff is real Our culture has its own “Artemis” Power Sex Wealth Etc   What part does prayer play when fighting for our life?   Ephesians 1:16-23 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 1: Prayer Keeps us in the Know Paul breaks down knowing God into important sections Knowing God Prayer and scripture study are the PRIMARY ways we know God Know His heart Must have a balance between Scripture and Prayer Not one or the other Both Important Knowing The Hope Of His Calling   The hope of his calling looks to the time when God will fully redeem us Prayer keeps us focused on what really matters because God changes our hearts Knowing Of His Glorious Inheritance   Prayer helps us keep the things of God in our hearts and minds The things of God, both in this life and the next, are far MORE VALUABLE than what this world offers Prayer reminds us of this Don't trade your favor for junk… Knowing The Greatness Of His Power   We are only able to fight against the kingdom of darkness through the Power of the Holy Spirit   This is what Paul says about the power of the Spirit… Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Prayer connects us to the power of Heaven Don't fight alone — Battle in prayer!   Prayer serves another major purpose… 2: Prayer Moves the Kingdom Forward Ephesians 6 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Some of us are a “BALL HOG” when it comes to our prayers Only about us Our problems Our needs Our Battles Paul points us to the reality that PRAYER MATTERS for the advancement of the kingdom Paul instructs us to… Pray in the spirit Knowing God Knowing His hope Knowing His Inheritance Knowing His Power Pray with Perseverance Dedication Drive Pray in Intercession For the church For other believers For those who do not know Prayer should NEVER be just about yourself but about advancing the Kingdom of God Not just your problems The reason prayer hasn't seemed to be effective is because you pray SELFISH PRAYERS   Prayer is POWERFUL It's effective in our lives and in our WORLD Prayer is a GIFT God calls us to partner with Him   St. Patrick's Breastplate I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In obedience of angels, In service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, In the innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men. I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil, From temptations of vices, From everyone who desires me ill, Afar and a near, Alone or in a multitude. I summon today all these powers between me and evil, Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul. Christ shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that reward may come to me in abundance. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.   I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation

Uniforms have two purposes 1: Identity Emergency situations professional situations 2: Practicality Most are utilitarian – Serve a purpose Series: FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE Week 1… We must know we are a part of a larger spiritual battle Week 2… We must walk in the light because there are monsters in the dark Today we are talking about… The “SPIRITUAL UNIFORM” of a Christian in the fight for their life   Background: Paul in Ephesus Much spiritual warfare for those Christian believers know for its practice of “dark arts”   Ephesians 6:10-17 10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.   Let's first talk about the ANALOGY Paul gives us here… Armor – Something they were very familiar with Don't get lost in the analogy Armor is what you actively choose to use it's something that you already have – Gifts from God Don't have to Pray “today i put on…”   The armor also testifies to your identity and loyalty = UNIFORM   “Take up the full armor of God…” = Discipleship Learning to follow Jesus   Paul lays out what we need to win for the FIGHT FOR OUR LIFE…   1: Fight for your life with TRUTH (Belt) What does he mean by truth in the context of the story the Bible is telling? Each piece of armor we'll break into 2 parts… Foundation – What we think Direction – What we do Foundation: Believing in the TRUTH We are all building our lives on a truth You wear a truth, whether you realize it or not It surrounds and envelopes you It is what will allow you to walk trip or run Non-truth (lies) trips you up like an “ungirded loin” There is always a counterfeit The Enemy's “TRUTH” Culture's “truth” Direction: Walking in the TRUTH We speak the truth as we live in the truth Partner with truth It guides us We choose to be guided by it Declaration of Truth I choose to believe the truth about God, His will, my life, and the world I live in. I can walk in confidence because truth is bound to my life   2: Fight for your life in RIGHTEOUSNESS (Breastplate) What does he mean by righteousness? Foundation: I am made righteous through Jesus Christ My old self is GONE New Creation Not who I was Guard your heart… (proverbs)   We are made righteous, so now act righteously   Direction: My actions reflect my new status My behavior Righteousness guards us Your actions from your heart Rightness leads to rightness Righteousness leads to Righteousness Living holy lives protects us from spiritual Attack Seasons of doubt connected to sin Living a right life protects us (doubt, shame) What does it look like to live righteously? To live for righteousness means we wholeheartedly realize that sin does not please God we pursue holiness instead of sinfulness in our thoughts, words, and actions We submit even our thought life to what is righteous Philippians 4:8 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. To Fight For My Life… I choose to make the right choices in alignment with God's word and will. I can trust that the righteousness of Christ guards my heart.   3: Fight for your life by carrying THE GOSPEL PEACE (Shoes) What is the gospel of Peace in the context of the story the Bible is telling? Foundation: The Gospel of Jesus is Peace to the world Rebellion against God = Chaos Sin = Separation, violence, loss, etc Gospel = Jesus is king We are no longer separated from our father We have been made right We have access to God Our sins are forgiven PEACE CAN NOW BE HAD   Direction: I carry the best news the world must hear   It's not whether you will go or not But whether you will carry the PEACE OF THE GOSPEL or BROKENNESS Taking the gospel where there is chaos Isaiah 52:7 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”   To fight for my life… I choose to be a peacemaker and a peace bringer by carrying the good news of grace and salvation. I can bring peace to chaos through the light of the gospel of Jesus   4: Fight for your life in FAITH (Shield) What is faith? Why a shield Faith is TRUST and HOPE in someone or something Foundation: My faith in God protects me Protection from circumstances and lies Trials Protects us in hard times Doubt and internal turmoil Shields us and stops the darts of doubt and temptation Sounds like… What God has for me is better than this temptation. Direction: I keep the faith no matter what 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. We don't panic when things get tough God is FAITHFUL to we can TRUST HIM HOPE IN HIM Our trust in the Lord is stronger than our struggle To fight for my life… I choose to trust God and not lies, deceit, or circumstances. I can hold strong in any storm because my God is with me.   5: Fight for your life through SALVATION (Helmet) What does he mean by “Salvation?” Foundation: I am secure in Christ through His salvation Get a head blow, and you are dead satan attacks the mind Knowing what you believe Who you belong to Who you are in Jesus Christianity 101 – simple gospel “I am not who I was” I am Saved by GRACE Direction: I live with confidence because I know who I am and WHO'S I am When the enemy attacks your mind, you remind yourself who saved you You are not Who you were Philippians 4:6-7 6 Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. To fight for my life… I choose to rest in the knowledge that I am loved, redeemed, and called by God. I can understand my place in God's family and plan for the world.   6: Fight for your life with THE WORD OF THE SPIRIT (Sword/Word of God) Study about reading the Bible https://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf 3 days or less per week = No significant effect 4 or more per week: Getting drunk = 57% lower odds Sex outside marriage = 68% lower odds Pornography = 61% lower odds Gambling = 74% lower odds Any of these habits = 57% lower odds Also increased… Sharing faith with others = 228% higher odds Discipling others = 231% higher odds Memorizing scripture = 407% higher odds Foundation: God's word is my weapon against evil and temptation God's word is how we fight One offensive tool The gospel and all of scripture Jesus fought this way In the desert temptation How is it effective? Gives discernment Promises we can claim We need the word of God   Direction: I fight the enemy with the Truth of God's Word   2 Timothy 3:15-17 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.   To fight for my life… I choose to rebuke evil through the word of God's truth. I can fight with a victory mindset because nothing overcomes my God and his revealed word.

Week 1, we learned that: We must know we are a part of a larger spiritual battle Today, we are looking at an important Biblical theme The theme is LIGHT AND DARKNESS Scripture uses several themes to separate the THINGS OF GOD and the THINGS NOT OF GOD Good and Bad Wisdom and Foolishness Righteous and Unrighteous Another of those themes is LIGHT AND DARKNESS An example of this is… 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. This leads to the questions: What exactly is LIGHT? What exactly is DARKNESS? Let's Start with… Biblical Theology of Light and Dark   Genesis 1:1-4 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God created light The light was GOOD   Darkness represents CHAOS Formless Empty Without purpose So we can say that… God's Creation thrives in the light   Psalm 27:1 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life whom should I dread?   A new layer of what light is… Light Represents God and His Salvation   Isaiah 9:2 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. Darkness is a state we can live in Perpetually God's light (SALVATION) pulls us out of Darkness But this is not a physical darkness… Romans 1:21-22 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools… This darkness affects our hearts and minds But… John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light (Salvation) of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. The light of God's Salvation in Jesus overcomes the CHAOS and hard hearts of the World   What is this Darkness? Darkness is the fallen state of humanity, the created world, and the kingdom of evil. It started in the Garden of Eden and continues through humankind's rebellion. Darkness refers to falsehood and evil. To live as children of light means to be directed by what is good, right, and true. Symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God This is important because it challenges our modern perception of: GOOD VS BAD God is not some heavenly principle – BAD God is not a sky Santa Clause – GOOD This leads us to say things like… “I think I'm a good person who sometimes does bad things…” “I'm not perfect, but I know my own heart…” “I think as long as you do good things and aren't mean to people, you are a good person…” This isn't what the Bible is trying to say AT ALL   Some practical ways to better understand how this darkness affects us Darkness of Understanding Unknowing Ignorance Darkness of Decisions Falsehood Wickedness Bad Choices Chaos Darkness of Separation From God From Life From Salvation   Let's better understand what is in the dark… There are Monsters in the Dark There is more to this darkness that scripture speaks about… Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.   This darkness is a kingdom against God and His creation   There is an agency to evil   We need to rid our minds of the medieval caricature of Satan. Dispensing with the horns, the hooves and the tail, we are left with the biblical portrait of a spiritual being, highly intelligent, immensely powerful and utterly unscrupulous. ~ John Stott   Ephesians 6 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.   What we need to know about Satan and His kingdom of darkness 1: This “kingdom” is structured to wage war against God and his church An organized hierarchy 2: He doesn't just influence people but also nations Idolatry Evil on a large scale The destructive malice of Satan against all humanity, and particularly against the church, is channeled through human agents and the systems and institutions they have built. Humanity in general is afflicted by the destroyer through the structures of injustice and oppression of which the flesh and the devil are joint architects, and Christians are murderously attacked by individuals and governments ultimately directed by Satan. ~ Richard Lovelace   Lord's Prayer: Your KINGDOM COME… We wage war on evil to see this happen   3: He would rather you not know he exists Like the mob, works in Darkness C.S. Lewis – Either disbelieve he exists or excessive interest Lastly… 4: He does have SOME authority over this world The temptation of Jesus   There is tremendous hope because scripture teaches… The Light of God Is Always Victorious Against Darkness   Jesus has ULTIMATE Authority and has defeated satan on the CROSS   Our Goal is the WALK IN THE LIGHT   Ephesians 5 6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God's wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don't participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

Not a PHYSICAL FIGHT — SPIRITUAL FIGHT Today's Goal Know that we are a part of something bigger Knowing is half the battle This world is NOT WHAT IT SEEMS There is a behind the veil We live in BOTH… A PHYSICAL REALITY A SPIRITUAL REALITY More than just a body A soul/spirit Naturalistic vs. Theistic Worldview Naturalism – naturalism beliefs Naturalism: The belief that nature is all that exists and that all things supernatural (including gods, spirits, souls, and non-natural values), therefore, do not exist Theism: The view that all things are dependent in some way on one supreme or ultimate reality or being Naturism is what we have inherited Suspicious of anything that cannot be proven by science Trust the science But this has left us with a MEANING CRISIS What is the point of life if there is nothing beyond what we can see (naturalism) The spiritual tide is returning — But bring in with it the sharks Not all good things A recent study of 10,000 Gen Z individuals aged 13 to 25 years: 68% considered themselves religious 77% considered themselves spiritual Gen Z individuals define spirituality as: Autonomous and faith unbundled, and it is inclusive of all faiths and practices All roads lead to the same destination Pick your spirituality Individualism with a “SPIRITUAL VENEER” Significant increase in the supernatural “Witchtok” Wiccan Crystals Horoscopes Palm Readers Tarot Cards Pagan ceremonies New Age philosophies These are off-limits to Christian believers Cannot be a partner with both light & darkness   Why does this matter? It matters because of the CHRISTIAN WORLD VIEW There is a spiritual reality This spiritual reality is composed of EITHER – Light or Dark – Goodness or Evil This Spiritual reality has REAL CONSEQUENCES for our PHYSICAL life   The Christian answer to this is this The Christian recognizes that there are Good spiritual forces that come from God our Father, and there are also rebellious, wicked forces that oppose the things of God How we engage with this reality is called: SPIRITUAL WARFARE We take spiritual warfare seriously because we take the Bible Seriously   Paul writes a letter to a church he planted after being a missionary in a place called Ephesus Ephesus was known as a place that practiced pagan (demonic) magical arts Diverse area Mixing pot of religion and philosophies   To fight for your life, you must first… 1: Know Your Enemy Ephesians 2:1-3 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. Paul introduces us to the “UNHOLY TRINITY OF EVIL POWERS” The Unholy Trinity of evil powers: The Devil The World The Flesh   We must take into account all three of these The Devil Satan is the personal name of the head of the demons. Demons are evil angels who sinned against God and who now continually work evil in the world The tempter – in the Garden and of Jesus The King of lies The enemy of God and his good creation The World The political, philosophical, moral, and relational powers and forces of our current age What the world strives for Tell us is important Driven by the enemy of God We must understand our culture and RESIST its lies, and speak the truth BACK TO IT Salt and light The Flesh Fallen Human nature with its affections and lusts Our natural fallen inclinations/desires Not always “The devil made me do it”   Satan will use all three to his advantage He can only tempt us and lie He cannot force us to do anything This is what we are up against, but we are not POWERLESS and WITHOUT HOPE   To fight for your life, you must… 2: Know your allies Ephesians 3:10-12 10 This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. God's answer is not LONE WARRIORS but THE ARMY OF CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS The church of Christ Jesus The church is BEST THING for the world It's God's plan for the nations Spiritual warfare is not a battle we should fight alone but with one another Praying for one another Encouraging one another How does a church equip you to fight for your life? Corporate Worship – Declaring God's victory together Corporate teaching – Understanding the truth of the world Sacraments – Modeling and remembering Christ's victory (Baptism, communion) Life-Giving Relationships – Supporting one another A lone warrior is an easy target Satan will pull you away from people to distract and destroy you There are no bystanders Your church helps keep you strong   To fight for your life, you must… 3: Know the enemy's tactics Ephesians 4 17 Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.   20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.   25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don't give the devil an opportunity. 28 Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.   Playing high school football – Film Day Learn from your mistakes from the previous week See what you were up against next week This knowledge lets you go into the game with a STRATEGY Paul is teaching us to live a SPIRITUALLY STRATEGIC life   What are the enemy's tactics? Hard Hearts: A heart that cannot be touched and moved and made to feel tender emotions — empathy, sympathy — toward suffering Pulling you back to a former way of living Returning to the broken thinking and actions that you lived in before coming to Christ Habitual sins Opportunities What we do How we speak (foul language) How we respond Bitterness, anger, slander, malice   We're in a fight for our life For our culture For our families For our church Let's close with Paul's words… Ephesians 5 15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

The final week of our series: Blueprints: God's Design for Church and Family Week 1: Blueprints for God's Design of Family A Healthy Family is God's Blueprint for human flourishing Individuals and the church Week 2: Laying The Foundation For Healthy Families Biblical Values form a strong foundation for healthy families Week 3: Quality Framing for Quality Families Christian Maturity is the quality that sets apart healthy families This series has been about… What works for YOUR FAMILY works for the church family What works for the CHURCH FAMILY works for your family   Our “HOUSE” is almost complete There is one last thing before it's complete… A final walk-through INSPECTION Picks out things that may have been missed Things that were done wrong   The Importance of a BUILDING CODE Sets a standard of EXPECTATION Same as a job code of conduct etc When things aren't done to code, the LOWEST BAR becomes the standard Dangerous Cheap Lazy way out   A house built to code is a safe home A Safe Home is a GOOD HOME The same happens in our relationships When codes differ, disappointment is always the result Let's not just think about what a code “IS” But what a good code LEADS TO   Let's think about it this way… A Proper CODE leads to PROPER CARE It makes sure things are safe   Today, we are talking about: A Healthy Family's Code For Care   Corinthians were a mess… In a very pagan city Primary God was a sex deity Struggling with maturity Arguing over meaningless things…   Paul writes… 1 Corinthians 12:12-21 12 For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink. 14 Indeed, the body is not one part but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. 19 And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Or again, the head can't say to the feet, “I don't need you!” Codes for a healthy family… CODE #1: Acknowledge And Respect One Another's Differences Comparing your kids to one another Data says: Sibling comparison often leads to conflict and rivalries. Unresolved, these can have extensive consequences, including: Being perceived as someone who shows off and brags a lot Constantly competing for parental attention Pressuring parents to choose their side in sibling conflicts Failing to treat their siblings as adults and equals Treating their brothers and sisters as enemies Sabotaging their siblings' lives, relationships, and work Belittling their siblings to make them feel inadequate   Corinthian Church was caught in a “COMPARISON TRAP“ Prophecy Tongues Healing Faith Wisdom etc Comparison leads to FAMILY CODE VIOLATIONS (Church or Family) Jealousy Bitterness Showboating Family Examples: Husband and wife not working together leveraging strengths rather than focus on weakness We use our strengths to cover the other's weaknesses Parents comparing kids — To one another, to themselves Church Examples: Similar to the Corinthian church   So, Paul uses the example of the HUMAN BODY Many parts that work TOGETHER 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, 25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. We celebrate differences God is creative in his creation Places and people “No Jew/Gentile” No “Slave/free” One family   What is the primary way we overcome our differences and work together? How do we overcome comparison?   Paul Writes… 1 Corinthians 13 13 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, (Uncomplaining, Long-suffering, Composed) love is kind. (Generous, Considerate) Love does not envy, (Not Resentful, Not Jealous) is not boastful, (Not Puffed Up, Not Overbearing) is not arrogant, (Not Full of yourself, Not Egotistical) 5 is not rude, (Polite, is Civil, Not “In your face”) is not self-seeking, (Not Individualistic, Not selfish. It's Mature) is not irritable, (Not Testy, Not Grumpy, Not Whinny) and does not keep a record of wrongs. (Ledger of past hurts) 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Codes for a healthy family… Code #2: Sacrificially Love One Another Paul gives one of the best descriptions of CHRISTIAN LOVE This love is unique to Christians Christian love is ACTIVE Not a feeling but a set of positive actions Love does NOT always mean agreeing Our culture has highjacked the meaning of love Love is COMPASSION, and CARE Telling someone they are wrong can be GREAT COMPASSION Done in love Code Violations: Constant Impatience Continual Harshness Envy Constant Bragging Rudeness Always self-seeking Continual Irritability Always keeping a record of wrongs Bearing nothing Believing nothing Hoping nothing Enduring nothing   This passage sums up this series so well 1 Peter 2 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God— 5 you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Week 1: Blueprints for God's Design of Family The family is God's blueprint for human flourishing Individuals and the church   Week 2: Laying The Foundation For Healthy Families Biblical values form a strong foundation for healthy families Individuals and the church Today is about: Quality Framing for Quality Families Framing is what gives the house… Structure Strength/resilience Holds up everything above it This isn't actually about building houses; it is about building STRONG, HEALTHY FAMILIES   Like houses, they also provide: Structure Strength/resilience Holds up everything above it The framing that supports a healthy family is… MATURITY   The reason we're talking about maturity is because… Maturity is modeled and grown in the FAMILY   Family is the primary place where maturity takes place Testing of maturity/quality   What is maturity? Maturity is a learned QUALITY Like a house that fell down — Lacked quality (Maturity) Diamonds Pressure Time Tough Does not break It does not get affected by things around it Quality takes time Quality is INTENTIONAL We have a quality problem when it comes to our culture Because we have a maturity problem The Christian family and Church must reflect back the QUALITY of Christian maturity to the culture that surrounds it Instead of the culture reflected in the family and church   Paul to the Corinthians Colony of Rome A melting Pot of culture A key aspect to the city was The Temple of Aphrodite Many new Christian families were acting like they were before following Jesus “On the summit of this steep mountain stood the temple of Aphrodite, a symbol of the lust which pervaded the mind of the city” Paul writes to correct and focuses on CHRISTIAN MATURITY 1 Corinthians 1 26 Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. 27 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29 so that no one may boast in his presence. 30 It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption— 31 in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.   1: Christian Maturity is the Quality of Humility Choosing to be humble or get humbled Maturity is the ability to “GET OVER YOURSELF”   A Child is SELFISH My toy My Feelings over yours We don't give into CHILDISH SELFISHNESS; we teach MATURE SELFLESSNESS   A selfish person is an IMMATURE person They only take from those around them They don't have maturity Bring harm to those in a relationship with them   God can't work with prideful hearts because they are a part of IMMATURE people   As families, we teach HUMILITY to one another   Peter says this about humility 1 Peter 5:5-7 5 In the same way, you who are younger (immature), be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.   1 Corinthians 3:1-4 3 For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, 3 because you are still worldly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans? 4 For whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not acting like mere humans? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given (God's Blueprints). 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building. 10 According to God's grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation (values) as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 2: Christian Maturity is the Quality of Right Priorities   Learning to take care of your body as you get older “If I knew then what I know now…” Christian Maturity is KNOWING WHAT REALLY MATTERS In life To our faith To us corporately To us individually The Corinthians were arguing over things that DON'T MATTER Who was taught by who Who was a better teacher Who was baptized by who   Paul teaches that this was a SIGN of their IMMATURITY Focus on what matters   A healthy family (Church or individual) teaches WHAT REALLY MATTERS People over things Purpose over pleasure Forgiveness over bitterness Generosity over jealousy Etc   1 Corinthians 10:23-24 23 “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. 24 No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person. 3: Christian Maturity is the Quality of Healthy Boundaries   How close to sinning can I actually be? Try to rationalize all sorts of things… Immaturity thinking says… “How close to sinning can I get without actually sinning?” Maturity says… “Does this bring glory to God and benefit to those I lead around me? Paul's answer is… 1 Corinthians 10 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved. Healthy boundaries is the MATURITY to say NO To certain people To situations To yourself   A sign of Immaturity is SELFISHNESS A child does not know healthy boundaries   So, using our instructions from Paul, how can we build environments that PROMOTE MATURITY? Raising Mature Kids: 1: Your kids can't grow past your maturity level Make sure you are pursuing maturity 2: Teach how to exercise SELFLESSNESS Humility 3: Clear Expectations Submission to authority Value of hard work How to forgive and be forgiven 4: Consistency of Teaching Deuteronomy 6 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.   Maturity for Couples: 1: Submitting to one another Healthy Submission   2: Be willing to be challenged 3: Open and clear communication Healthy communication is a clear sign of maturity 4: Seeking restoration vs revenge Accepting compromise rather than compliance   For Individuals: 1: Choosing Right Opportunities 2: Choosing life-giving relationships Friends Dating   It is better to be alone than with someone who makes you miserable   Final Call for Christian Maturity Hebrews 6 1 Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, 2 teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Series: Blueprints: God's Design for Church and Family   Last week: The family is God's blueprint for human flourishing Immediate Family God's Family of Redeemed Humanity (CHURCH) As the family goes, so goes the culture Place of Societal Stability The enemy Hates the Family Because it is a blessing from God God used marriage and family as a METAPHOR for his relationship with His Church Bride of Christ God has and is redeeming the concept of the family   This leads us to… LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHY FAMILIES   What are values? Values: Ideas and behaviors that are important to a person or group of people Values demonstrate who we are We ALL value something Culture is a combination of values The highway that leads us to flourish or decay Jesus teaches about values in this way… Matthew 7 24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.”   Jesus teaches that all values ARE NOT created equal   Our culture currently operates from a… Desire Driven Values: Desire creates my truth from within myself; thus, everyone around me must align to MY values Emotions driven by desire lead to the truth that governs my life   The values of our SECULAR Culture Individuality: How we view identity and personal value I am my own authority I choose who and what I am The individual overrides the collective Moral autonomy: How we view shame and repentance I do as I choose and cannot be judged The only one who can make me feel shame is myself Shame is an abuse of the power of others over my life and is harmful to me Power Projection: How we view protection and authority Race, wealth, government, sexes, individual communities) The “oppressed now has the right to oppress the oppressor) Victim mentality gives power Might makes right   How do these things work themselves out? Galatians 5 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: (aka… Values of secular Culture) sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do these values lead to FLOURISHING in the following examples? For mom and dad? For kids? Friends? This leads to decay… NOT flourishing   Christian Family Values (Blueprint) Spirit & Truth Driven Values: Objective truth is outside of myself; thus, I must align my life with its values Within the boundaries of God, our Lord and Creator What are some Christian values? Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit (Spirit & Truth Values) is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.   Do these values lead to FLOURISHING in the following examples? For mom and dad? For kids? Friends? This leads to FLOURISHING and BLESSINGS… NOT Decay/brokenness They can help put broken things back together   2 major problems when it comes to values… Problem #1: Assuming values   Parents assuming that you knew something you didn't A tradition A rule Assuming is one of the BIGGEST enemies of teaching VALUES where there is uncertainty, there is confusion Problem #2: Situational Values Lying is bad unless I need to do it Gossiping is bad about me unless I know something you need to Speeding is wrong unless it's I'm in a hurry Sex outside of marriage is wrong… unless you've been married before Being generous is good unless I don't think they deserve it The values we typically possess are the ones that are most convenient for us at a specific moment If that are, then they are NOT Biblical Values   Losing the “moral high ground” with your kids because of your decisions Divorce and dating with kids How do we make sure the correct values are being valued? 1: Values are TAUGHT and MODELED Proverbs 22:6 6 Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.   Family Values Teaching the next generation the challenges and values of the culture vs the values of the kingdom Parents to kids, mentors Taught at home, Church is a reinforcement of those values We often overprotect our kids in real life and underprotect them online Set up safeguards so that you are not battling outside values before your child is ready The POWER of a mentor Kids can brush off their parents, but the power of an outside agent giving the same information is a powerful resource Single Parents Values are Reinforced in COMMUNITY Why church is so important You and your kids will value the values of their most CONSISTENT CONTACTS “Show me your friends, I'll show you your future”   2: Values are REINFORCED Through Discipline   Starting a new job Value stated = Respecting one another Value demonstrated = Gossip, taking credit for others work, lying The values that are reinforced are the REAL VALUES Discipline is the reinforcement of our values Discipline (Tough Love)   Hebrews 12 3 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won't grow weary and give up. 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him, 6 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. 7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn't we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.   Healthy discipline is ALWAYS from a place of love Discipline is training   Proverbs 13:24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.   Parental Discipline Consistency Raising kids you actually like Outside influence (community) Having a GOAL for your kid's behaviors   Church Discipline Much “church hurt” was actually “church discipline” Discipline for Adults Kids who were never disciplined can't handle healthy discipline when grown   Christian Discipline is gentle, clear, and consistent Without discipline, there can be no restoration, humility, forgiveness   Discipline vs Punishment Correction vs Condemnation Conviction vs Condemnation Condemnation leads to the dark; Conviction leads to the light   Family Ministries at Cornerstone Teaches values that you may not know You want them there for their own sake Healthy discipline is a practice of humility On the part of the one receiving discipline On the part of the one GIVING discipline Mentorship = Investment into the next generation Mentorship and Discipline Values Form the Foundation for us: Individually Collectively As Christians   Let's make sure the values we have are CHRISTIAN FAMILY VALUES

Blueprints set a STANDARD How it should be When blueprints aren't followed, disaster happens   That's what this series is about… Blueprints God's design for church and family God is a God of design Psalm 8:3-4 3 When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? A MAJOR THEME in the story the Bible is telling is:   Let's first define Family: A family consists of people, usually related, with shared values that provide safety, guidance, accountability, respect, and forgiveness.   Let's build a BIBLICAL THEME of Family… 1: God planned and placed the family at the beginning of creation Genesis 2:24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. 2: God designed the family for human flourishing Genesis 1:28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” 3: The enemy of God hates family Genesis 4 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let's go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don't know,” he replied. “Am I my brother's guardian?” The enemy always tries to mimic and distort to eventually destroy anything g that God has created for our good 4: God has chosen to redeem the world through a family Genesis 12 12 The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.   What does all this mean? To God, Family is a BIG DEAL His blueprint for human flourishing and happiness is through Family Some Examples: Father vs. Absent Fathers According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.8 million children, nearly 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. No father: Research shows that when a child is raised in a father-absent home, they are affected in the following ways… Greater Risk of Poverty More Likely to Have Behavioral Problems Greater Risk of Infant Mortality More Likely to Go to Prison More Likely to Commit Crime More Likely to Become Pregnant as a Teen More Likely to Face Abuse and Neglect More Likely to Abuse Drugs and Alcohol More Likely to Suffer Obesity More Likely to Drop Out of School Kids: Children with involved fathers have a strong foundation for child well-being. They are at lower risk for… Infant Mortality Low Birth Weight Emotional and Behavioral Problems Neglect and Abuse Injury Obesity Poor School Performance Teen Pregnancy Incarceration as Juveniles Alcohol and Substance Abuse Criminal Activity Suicide Mom: Mothers with active fathers in the home… More likely to receive prenatal care Less likely to smoke during pregnancy Healthier births Lower risk of post-partum stress & depression Lower parenting stress More leisure time Higher marital satisfaction (All info taken from https://www.fatherhood.org) Healthy Families lead to HUMAN FLOURISHING   Why? Because it's God's blueprint I don't think anyone has a problem with this, but it is INCOMPLETE in scripture's view of FAMILY…   5: Jesus has come, and not only is our savior but also our BROTHER Hebrews 2 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying: I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will sing hymns to you in the congregation. Because we belong to Christ, we belong to his family 6: The church is a family and the Bride of Christ Ephesians 5 22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. God has EXPANDED the understanding of FAMILY Not just “DAD, MOM, KIDS The Bible doesn't have a category for that Sermon Title: More than Blood Here's where there is trouble for us… Family as an INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTION Me and mine vs you and yours Instead, it is US/WE Personal Family is important, and so is the FAMILY OF FAITH Christian Family Church Family The Reality We will spend eternity with our FAITH FAMILY, not necessarily our BLOOD relatives God's family is MORE THAN BLOOD   How did this work out in the New Testament?   Summarization of the Reason for the letter: Written to Philemon by Paul A resident of Colosse (Colossians) He held church as his house He had a Slave named Onesimus (oh NESS in muss) Onesimus stole money and ran away Met Paul and became a Christian   Listen for the “family language” Philemon 1 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home. 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. 7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 8 For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, 9 I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, 10 appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains. 11 Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back to you—I am sending my very own heart. 13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. 14 But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self. 20 Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.   God's plan is still the same…. To redeem the world through family Through those who are a part of His REDEEMED family   What should we take away from this? 1: Family is a BIG DEAL to God We should make it a big deal in our lives, too We treat it with respect 2: God's vision for the world is a RENEWED FAMILY With Christ as our king 3: You and your family flourish MOST when a part of God's REDEEMED FAMILY Your family flourishes through its activity in the church family Single Older – no kids   You no longer need to feel lonely because you have a LARGE family You no longer need to feel threatened because you are a family that protects You have a part to play because everyone takes part in a healthy family

Usually, when we think of “COST,” it's moneya product “costs” us “Blank amount of dollars.” But there is a more profound COST What it takes to get the money in the first place Let's look a place where Jesus explains the concept Luke 14:26-33 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn't able to finish.' What is a way for us to understand this “COST” Cost = Time + Energy The greater the “COST,” the greater the investment of our TIME and our ENERGY Holding the door for a stranger vs. A first date First Date vs 50th wedding anniversary Other examples: Work – Get money What is the COST? Cost = time+energy Kids – Raise the next generation Cost = time+energy Friendships – not lonely Cost = Time + Energy The cost of following Jesus death to self   Let's talk about 2 COSTS the Bible teaches are WORTH THE COST.   1: Cost of Character What is character? Character: The strength of moral fiber. “As the excellence of gold is its purity and the excellence of art is its beauty, so the excellence of man is his character” “What you do in the dark” When no one is watching When there is no consequence Character is the sum of our: disposition thoughts intentions desires actions It is good to remember general tendencies gauge character Not based on a few isolated actions We must look at the whole life Why is there a “COST” to character Because character is DEVELOPED it's learned It's through REDEEMED HEARTS Like the refining of metals God REFINES OUR HEARTS Proverbs 17:3 3 A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the Lord is the tester of hearts. How do we DEVELOP Character? Romans 5 5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Cost of Character is this: Cost = Time + Energy Time: Suffering Affliction Hardships Energy: Boasting in God trusting in God Not trying to fix it ourselves   The cost of Godly Character is FAITH IN SUFFERING We trust God when things are hard We do what is righteous even when it's incredibly hard We are morally obligated to God's law even when no one is looking Paul is not the only one who teaches us this… 1 Peter 1:6-8 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Why is this so IMPORTANT to the Christian believer? You cannot outrun your character Judas Saul Proverbs 10:9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out. Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.   2: Cost of Wisdom   What is Wisdom? Wisdom: Understanding and applying God's moral law for the universe through right choices Where does wisdom come from? Proverbs 9:10-11 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. This is the SOURCE of wisdom Jesus, “I am the way, the TRUST, and the life…” Jesus is the source of wisdom Humanities wisdom is foolish compared to the wisdom of God Adam and Eve – Knowledge of “GOOD AND BAD” Cannot be gotten outside of God Proverbs 4:10-15,23-27 10 Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years. 11 I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction; don't let go. Guard it, for it is your life. 14 Keep off the path of the wicked; don't proceed on the way of evil ones. 15 Avoid it; don't travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. 24 Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don't let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Don't turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.   The Cost of wisdom is choosing to give… Time – Learning wisdom we are NOT born with wisdom; it is acquired Energy – Applying it regularly in your life Those who learn wisdom must guard it   How do we do this? By asking good questions   In light of my past, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?   Should I go there? Should I date them? Should I spend money on this? Should I agree to this?   How do we get wisdom? James 1:5 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.   Character consistently chooses the right thing, and wisdom is knowing what the right thing is Godly Character and Wisdom are FULLY WORTH THE COST

Suffering we have all experienced it Some of us are going through it   Today – Going to approach it this way 1st: A Christian THEOLOGY of Suffering What does the Bible teach, and how is that different than other perspectives   2nd: A Pastoral Response How we can walk through really difficult times Let's look at the IDEA of suffering When Bad people do bad things, bad things should happen to them Karma You get when you deserve   But what about when Bad things happen to GOOD PEOPLE? Child gets sick Stolen from Natural Disasters This is what is called in philosophy: THE PROBLEM OF EVIL Most suffering comes from evil or can be seen as evil   Let's look at it from a few different perspectives…   BUDDISM We suffer because we are too attached to worldly things. Buddhism urges us to get past suffering by not clinging to material objects or even to relationships with other people. Buddhists say that a desire for things and relationships is what causes us to suffer.   HINDUISM Suffering is regarded as punishment for deeds done in a previous life. To the Hindu, a great deal of suffering is simply accumulated “karma” catching up with people. In Hindu thinking, the upside is that by “settling accounts” and paying for past misdeeds, the soul's next reincarnation will be more enjoyable. Hindus say that pleasure cannot exist without pain. For Hindus, bliss and suffering are simply two sides of the same thing.   ISLAM See suffering as a way to submit to the will of Allah. Islam teaches that pain can lead us to repentance and then on to good deeds. Thus, one Muslim response to suffering is to focus on the rewards promised in Paradise. Islam's emphasis on good works leads to the feeling that the more our lives please God, the less we will suffer.   ATHEISM/AGNOSTICISM We are just a biological result of blind, predetermined evolution, and thus, any perception of pain and suffering ultimately doesn't matter because, ultimately, life and consciousness are an accident and will ultimately cease to exist in a distant future. “The existentialist, on the contrary, finds it extremely embarrassing that God does not exist, for there disappears with Him all possibility of finding values in an intelligible heaven. There can no longer be any good a priori since there is no infinite and perfect consciousness to think it. It is nowhere written that “the good” exists, that one must be honest or must not lie, since we are now upon the plane where there are only men. Dostoevsky once wrote: “If God did not exist, everything would be permitted,” and that, for existentialism, is the starting point. Everything is indeed permitted if God does not exist…” ~ Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism   The Christian Answer to Evil is this… Evil comes from rebellion against a GOOD God Psalm 14:3 All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.   Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Both an ANGELIC rebellion and a HUMAN Rebellion This is a result of God creating FREE WILLED CREATURES In a universe of free will, there exists the possibility of turning away This then brings up the question of… So why doesn't God just get rid of all Evil and suffering? Here is a thought experiment… If God were to get rid of all evil tonight at 12 AM, would you still be here at 12:01 AM? To sum up this far… 1: Pain and suffering are the results of evil 2: Evil is rebellion against a Good God 3: Rebellion is a result of free will So now, let's change gears and look at suffering and Evil from a pastoral response perspective… Let's answer the question: When bad things happen, what should we do? 1: When bad things happen, we Look ahead   2 Corinthians 4:16–18 16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Looking forward to Vacation Views Nobody vacations to look at a brick wall or alley “Look at this parking lot…” “Look at this dead patch of grass…” “Look at this clean gas station bathroom…”   We go because the “VIEWS” remind us of a TRANSCENDENT BEAUTY Regardless of how INCREDIBLE the view… It is incomparable to the worst view in heaven   Christians have an eternal perspective: We do not lose heart Bad things may happen to good people in this world, but this world is not the end Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day 1 Peter 1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.   For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen   Story of Joseph Genesis 50:19–20 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.   Bad things happen to good people, but God uses those bad things for an ultimate, lasting good. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” When Joseph, innocent of wrongdoing, finally came through his horrific sufferings, he was able to see God's good plan in it all Romans 8:28 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.   2: When bad things happen, we look back   2 Corinthians 1:3–5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.   Horatio G. Spafford Successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago in the Late 1800s Wife Anna and 5 children Lost youngest son to pneumonia and much of their business in the Great Chicago of 1871 (same year) Rebuild some of the business Sent his wife and 4 daughters to England for vacation, planning to join them shortly (1873) A terrible accident happened with their ship sinking Only Anna Survived Wrote him a letter that said, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Horatio sailed to his morning wife On the way, he wrote this… When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.   How many have sung that song in the midst of their sorrow Philippians 4:7 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The hardest seasons of life produce the greatest anointing   Bad things happen to good people, but those bad things equip believers for deeper ministry.   Those with battle scars can better help those going through battles God has strengthened us so we can strengthen another   3: When we go through bad things, we look Up 1 Peter 2:20–23 20 For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; 23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.   Suffering is WEIGHTY It's heavy It causes us to look DOWN But I want to challenge you today to LOOK UP… TO THE CROSS Bad things happen to good people… But the worst things happened to the best Person Jesus was the only truly Righteous One, yet He suffered more than we can imagine Jesus is no stranger to our pain.   On the Cross, Christ suffered the EVIL of the WORLD ALL OUR SIN All our shame All our rebellion   The answer can't be that He doesn't care He plunged himself into suffering with us!   We follow in His footsteps “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you,…”   If you are suffering today… LOOK AHEAD… To the promise of Eternity with God LOOK BACK… To how God has strengthened us so we can strengthen another LOOK UP... To the suffering Savior, who suffers with us and understands our pain Resources for further study: “The Problem of Pain” by C. S. Lewis https://a.co/d/a67XNuk “Walking with God through Pain and Suffering” by Timothy Keller https://a.co/d/dDwbJWV “Suffering Is Never for Nothing” by Elisabeth Elliot https://a.co/d/fE5fJ6v “Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense by Paul David Tripp https://a.co/d/eKELCmH