Harmony Christian Church

Briefing Document: Themes and Insights from "The Spirit of the Honey Badger" Executive Summary The source material explores the concept of spiritual readiness through the lens of the Apostle Paul's final exhortations in 2 Timothy. The central thesis posits that while individuals—particularly men—are naturally wired to prepare for physical threats (symbolized by the "honey badger" or "Rottweiler"), they are often woefully unprepared for spiritual challenges. The document outlines three critical takeaways: The Political Nature of the Gospel: In the first-century Roman context, the "Good News" (euangelion) was a subversive political statement identifying Jesus, not Caesar, as the true King. The Believer as the "Rescue Plan": The mission of the church is not localized to the clergy but is the responsibility of individual believers who encounter people in crisis in their daily lives. A Framework for Preparation: Spiritual readiness is achieved through identifying one's purpose, engaging in communal accountability ("circles, not rows"), and committing to a three-fold process of discipleship: dying to self, living by faith, and knowing the heart of Jesus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Context of Preparedness Physical vs. Spiritual Readiness The narrative begins with an analysis of human instincts regarding danger. Using the "honey badger" as a metaphor for unexpected threats, the source notes that people often engage in "guy code"—theoretical discussions on how to survive animal attacks or positioning themselves in restaurants to face the door. This instinctual preparation for physical danger stands in stark contrast to spiritual passivity. The source cites a tragedy in Kansas where a school bus driver failed to intervene during a fatal Rottweiler attack on a student, using it as a cautionary tale: many individuals do not know how they will react when "the rubber hits the road" spiritually. The Prison Cell Perspective The mandate for spiritual readiness is framed by the Apostle Paul's circumstances while writing 2 Timothy. Status: Paul was a political dissident, not a common criminal. Environment: Writing from a prison cell with minimal light, likely using charcoal and scraps. Stakes: Paul was facing imminent execution (beheading), a "privilege" reserved for Roman citizens. Despite these "monsters," Paul's instruction to Timothy remained: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Subversive Power of the Euangelion The document provides a historical and linguistic analysis of the term "Good News" (Greek: euangelion). Imperial Context: In 8 BC, an inscription regarding Caesar Augustus used euangelion to announce the birth of a "savior of the world" and a god. Christian Subversion: When early Christians used the term to describe Jesus, they were making a direct political challenge to Roman authority. The Meaning of "Christ": The title "Christ" literally means "King." By proclaiming the euangelion of Jesus the Christ, Paul was announcing a new King whose kingdom was based on the "rule and reign in the hearts of humans" rather than geography. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mandate for Readiness: "In and Out of Season" Using the analogy of basketball in Kentucky—where the "season" is effectively year-round—the source argues that spiritual readiness must be constant. The Methodology of the Body Paul's instructions for spiritual engagement include three specific actions: Correct: Providing necessary adjustment to others. Rebuke: Offering firm warnings when needed. Encourage: Providing deep support and motivation. These actions must be delivered with "great patience and careful instruction." The "Hot Potato" Phenomenon The source identifies a common failure in spiritual readiness termed "hot potato." In this scenario, God "passes the ball" (an opportunity to share faith or provide support) to a believer, but the believer immediately passes it away out of fear or lack of preparation instead of "shooting" (taking the opportunity). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Individual as God's "Rescue Plan" A primary theme of the document is the decentralization of ministry. The source asserts that the individual believer—not the pastor—is God's rescue plan for their specific sphere of influence. The Limitations of the Clergy: Pastors are not present in secular workplaces (e.g., a Toyota factory floor), in private meetings, or in classrooms where people are experiencing crises like divorce or abuse. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:18-20, the "imperative" is to make disciples. This is achieved through three supporting actions: going, baptizing, and teaching. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Framework for Spiritual Preparation To move from passivity to readiness, the source outlines three essential disciplines: DisciplineDescriptionBiblical ReferenceFind Your PurposeRecognizing oneself as God's "handiwork" created for specific "good works."Ephesians 2:10Find Your PeopleTransitioning from "rows" (passive church attendance) to "circles" (community groups) for accountability and correction.Hebrews 10Grow as a DiscipleEngaging in the three-fold process of spiritual maturity (see below).N/A The Three Pillars of Discipleship Die to Self: This involves "crucifying" sin. The source argues that people struggle with sin because they "like it" and treat it as a "little savior" for a temporary fix. Dying to self means admitting this attraction and choosing to end it. Live by Faith: This is defined as a practical shift in internal dialogue. Instead of self-talk regarding worries, the believer adds "God" or "Jesus" to their thoughts, turning inner dialogue into a constant prayer life. Learn the Heart of Jesus: Head knowledge of the Bible can lead to "Phariseeism." True discipleship requires knowing Jesus' heart—specifically his sacrifice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusion: The Reality of the Sacrifice The document concludes by emphasizing the visceral reality of the Crucifixion to illustrate why knowing the "heart of Jesus" is paramount. Jesus' death is described as a transition from complete purity to becoming "all of the world's sin all at once," experiencing the weight of every human atrocity. The ultimate goal of spiritual preparation is not to become a biblical scholar but to be "dumb enough to shoot"—to act on faith when the opportunity arises, regardless of formal training or perceived status. The source illustrates this with a personal anecdote of a 17-year-old on a BMX bike leading a friend to baptism, proving that the power of the "rescue plan" depends on God's authority, not the believer's expertise.

Building a Resilient Faith: A Synthesis of Key Themes Executive Summary This document synthesizes the core themes from a sermon delivered on the first Sunday of 2026 by Zach, a youth pastor. The central argument posits that the start of a new year should not be viewed as a simple "reset," as life's troubles do not magically disappear. Instead, the focus should be on building a resilient faith—the capacity to press on and grow stronger through struggle and hardship. Grounded in the scripture of John 16:33, the message presents two definitive truths: trouble in this world is inevitable, but this trouble is not final because Jesus has "overcome the world." This victory makes peace and confidence possible even amid life's most difficult seasons. The sermon provides a practical, three-question framework for developing this resilience: identifying the specific trouble ("What's happening?"), shifting focus to foundational truths about God ("What is true no matter what?"), and taking ownership of one's response ("What can you do?"), primarily through prayer and engagement with a church community. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. The Premise: Rejecting a "Reset" Mentality The sermon begins by challenging the conventional notion of the New Year as a monumental fresh start. It argues that while the calendar resets, personal burdens and ongoing struggles are carried over from one day to the next. • Critique of New Year's Superficiality: The speaker describes New Year's as a "weird holiday" where "nothing magically, like, disappears when it's January 1st." Problems from the previous week or year do not vanish when the clock strikes midnight. • Introducing Resilience as the Core Focus: Instead of concepts like "refresh or reset," the proposed theme for the new year is resilience. • Definition of Resilience: Resilience is defined as "our ability to move forward and grow stronger after we've struggled or failed or faced hard stuff in our life" and "our resolve to press on even when we feel so worn down or just ready to throw in the towel." II. The Challenge: Doubt and the Temptation to Quit The message explores how hardship and a lack of immediate results can lead to doubt and the temptation to abandon one's faith journey. This is illustrated through the speaker's personal anecdotes of quitting karate, soccer, and reading The Lord of the Rings as a child because he "couldn't see the value in moving forward" or "couldn't see the results quick enough." • The Slippery Slope of Doubt: When individuals feel worn down, doubt begins to seep in, particularly in their faith. This doubt manifests as a series of challenging questions directed at God. • Questions Arising from Hardship: The sermon provides specific examples of questions that emerge during difficult times: ◦ "Is God still worth following? If my family still is broken..." ◦ "Is God still loving? If I'm still battling with depression..." ◦ "Is God still as good as he says he is? Even when I don't see him showing up the way I want him to..." ◦ "Why should I keep doing this?" III. The Theological Foundation: John 16:33 The sermon's central argument is built upon Jesus's words in John, chapter 16, verse 33. This scripture is presented in the context of Jesus preparing his disciples for his imminent betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion—what the speaker calls "some of the worst trouble that his disciples have experienced in their lifetime." John 16:33: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." This verse is broken down into two definitive, non-negotiable statements. A. The Certainty of Trouble: "In this world you will have trouble." This is presented as a fundamental truth of the human condition. • An Inescapable Reality: Trouble is not a possibility but a guarantee in a world described as an "incomplete" and "broken" plane of existence. Therefore, experiencing hardship should not be shocking. • Historical Context: The disciples, as "lower income Jewish men living in the Roman Empire," would have deeply resonated with this statement. For them, every day was a battle, and speaking against authority could lead to death. • Jesus's Own Experience: Jesus himself was speaking these words just before he would be "arrested, flogged, beaten, crucified." He was about to experience "the worst trouble." B. The Proclamation of Victory: "But take heart, I have overcome the world." This statement is the essential counterpoint, offering hope and a foundation for resilience. • Trouble is Not the End: Jesus's victory over the world through his death and resurrection ensures that trouble "is not going to be the end all be all to your life." As the speaker states, "Trouble is not the end for you, church. Whatever you face in your life, it's not the period in the sentence of your life." • Peace Becomes Possible: Because of Jesus's victory, peace is accessible regardless of the season or hardship one faces. This is a peace that comes from a "God who has been through it, who walks in it with you, and who has made a way for that trouble to only be temporary." • The Nature of Resilient Faith: A resilient faith is defined as "one that never gives up on God" because it is rooted in the truth that God has overcome life's worst struggles. IV. A Practical Framework for Building Resilience To move from theological principle to practical application, the sermon offers a three-question process to guide individuals through moments of trouble. QuestionPurpose & Explanation1. What's happening?To be honest and specific about the trouble being faced. This involves identifying the source of the struggle, whether it's a person who caused disappointment, an event beyond one's control, or even a fellow Christian whose actions have caused questioning.2. What is true no matter what?To shift perspective from immediate circumstances to the unchanging truths of God. This is not a "quick fix" and does not make the trouble less real, but it helps one focus on the reality that God is loving, in control, good, and present.3. What can you do?To focus on controllable attitudes and actions in response to trouble. While one may not be able to fix the entire situation, one always has a say in their personal response. V. Key Actions for Cultivating Resilience The framework leads to two specific, actionable steps for building a resilient faith in 2026. A. Prioritizing Prayer Prayer is presented not as a final, desperate act, but as a proactive first step. • Prayer as a First Step: A key quote emphasizes this point: "Prayer is not a last resort. Prayer is not a Hail Mary we throw when we feel like we have no other option. Prayer is a first step..." • An Invitation to God: Prayer is the act of bringing a situation to God and inviting Him to "have his way in it." The message reassures that God is not "scared by your questions or your doubt" or "thrown off by it." B. Engaging in Community Deep involvement in the church body is highlighted as a critical component of resilience. • The Role of the Church: The speaker encourages the congregation to "go deep into life with such a group of people" to lean on one another for support. • Refocusing and Growth: The community serves to "help refocus ourselves when things seem too troublesome and hard to see the truth." Mutual support is essential for growth and maintaining perspective. VI. Conclusion: The Call to Respond The sermon concludes with an invitation for the congregation to respond to the message in a tangible way. • An Invitation to Prayer: Attendees are invited to pray, either alone or with designated individuals (wearing green lanyards), during the final song. • Unburdening and Discovery: The moment is framed as an opportunity to be "open and honest with him about what you are walking through" and to "unburden yourself." It is a chance for one's resilience to grow by discovering a Jesus "who is here with us now and who has overcome the world." • Final Affirmation: The closing prayer reaffirms God as one "who sees us, who has met us where we are," and who has overcome life's troubles so that believers might know "real peace and have real eternal life."

The Message Still Needs an Angel: A Briefing on the Call for Modern Messengers Executive Summary This document synthesizes the core themes from a sermon arguing that the message of Christmas, and by extension the Christian faith, has always depended on a messenger to deliver it. The central thesis posits that while supernatural "angels" (messengers) were essential to initiating the biblical Christmas story for ordinary people like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, the responsibility to be messengers in the modern world now falls upon individual believers. The sermon builds a logical case using scripture (Romans 10) to assert that since a majority of the population will never enter a church, the "Good News" can only reach them through personal relationships and conversations. The primary call to action is for believers to recognize they are "sent" and to practically apply this by sharing their personal "God story," particularly by listening for moments of need in conversations and proactively offering prayer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Core Thesis: Christmas as a Message-Dependent Event The fundamental argument is that the events of the Christmas story were not spontaneous but were set in motion by divine announcements. Each key participant—from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—was first approached by a messenger who primed them for the supernatural event that was about to occur. Without these announcements, the story could not have unfolded as it did. • The Catalyst: "All of the events of Christmas, all of the different pieces of the story happened because someone decided to take the message that God gave them to the people who needed that message." • The Necessity of Priming: The sermon uses the concept of "priming," similar to a mentalist's technique, to explain the role of the angelic messages. The ideas presented (a virgin birth, a pregnancy in old age) were so far outside the realm of normal experience that the recipients needed to be prepared to accept them. ◦ "Nobody, nobody thinks a virgin is going to have a baby, but an angel brings that message in and then Mary is primed for it and she's ready when it actually happens." ◦ "I think it had to be supernatural beings that came to them because there's no way you would accept this message in fashion or form..." 2. Christmas as a Universal Catalyst for Change The sermon draws a parallel between the life-altering experience of having children and the transformative impact of the first Christmas. The point is to illustrate that Christmas was a moment that irrevocably changed everything, not just on a global, historical scale, but also on a deeply personal level for the individuals involved. • Personal Transformation: The lives of Mary and Joseph are presented as examples of ordinary existence interrupted by a divine collision. They were "normal people caught in the middle of supernatural moments." ◦ Before the announcement, Joseph was a business owner working long hours, and Mary's life was filled with mundane, normal tasks. ◦ The shift is captured in the statement: "One day Mary is carrying laundry, and then the next day she's carrying the Messiah." • Global Transformation: This personal event is framed as the moment "that everything changed in the world," asserting that the audience's very presence in the room is a direct result of its impact. 3. A Theological Framework for "Angels" A significant portion of the discourse is dedicated to deconstructing common, often simplistic, perceptions of angels to build a more biblically robust understanding. The purpose is to highlight that these messengers were complex beings who made a choice to obey God, reinforcing the gravity of their role. Angelology: Key ConceptsDescriptionRole, Not SpeciesThe word "angel" literally means "a messenger sent by God." It describes a function, not a specific type of being, and can even refer to a human messenger.Possession of Free WillContrary to the idea of angels as divine "robots," the sermon emphasizes that they are supernatural beings with their own will who can, and sometimes do, defy God, citing passages from Revelation, 2 Peter, and Jude.Multiple ClassificationsThe term "angel" is a broad category encompassing various types of supernatural beings with different roles and appearances, demonstrating the complexity of the spiritual realm. Mentioned Classifications of Supernatural Beings: • Seraphim: Described in Isaiah 6 as having six wings. • Cherubim: Described as having four faces, legs of burnished bronze, and covered in eyes. • Archangels: Appear to be warriors against demonic forces (e.g., Michael). • Living Creatures: Four beings with different faces and six wings, covered in eyes, who are around God's throne (Revelation, Ezekiel). • Other Beings: The scripture also mentions "sons of God," "watchers," and "Satan" (whose name means "accuser"). 4. The Logical Imperative for Modern Messengers The sermon transitions from the biblical narrative to a direct charge to the contemporary audience, using Romans 10:14-16 to build a logical sequence demonstrating the necessity of personal evangelism. The Argument from Romans 10: 1. To be Saved: One must "call on the one who they have not believed in." 2. To Call: One must first "believe in the one in whom they have not heard." 3. To Believe: One must first "hear without someone preaching to them." 4. To Preach: One must be "sent." This progression culminates in the conclusion that believers are "sent" and therefore have a direct responsibility to "preach" or share their faith. • The Unreached Majority: This responsibility is underscored by the statistic that "70% of this town, of this community are never going to step foot in this place." They will not hear the message from a pastor. • Redefining "Preaching": The sermon broadens the definition of preaching from a formal sermon to any act of sharing the Gospel. "How will they ever hear if nobody's ever talking about it?" • The Inherent Value: The beauty of this act is cited from scripture: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?" This is because they bring "life change" and "hope." 5. Practical Directives for Action The final section provides tangible, actionable steps for the audience to fulfill their role as modern-day messengers. The emphasis is on authentic, relational evangelism rather than confrontational methods. • Start with Your Story: The foundational method is "taking the story of what God has done in your life and telling somebody about it." If a person has no such story, the first step is to "get a story with God." • Listen for "The Knots": A key tactical suggestion is to listen for negative statements or "knots" in conversations, which create natural openings to share a personal story. ◦ Example 1: A coworker says, "I'm not doing well right now." This is an opportunity to say, "I know exactly what that's like... and it was Jesus [who helped me]." ◦ Example 2: Someone says, "I'm not from here." This signals a need for connection and community. • Proactive Engagement: A direct challenge is issued for immediate action. ◦ The Text Message Challenge: Send a text to a non-Christian acquaintance with a message like: "I was thinking about you this morning, and I'm praying for you this Christmas. If I can pray anything specific, let me know." The goal is to show genuine care and potentially "tease out the opportunity to share your God story." 6. Concluding Theological Point: From Incarnation to Indwelling The sermon concludes by tying the entire message back to the nature of God's presence in the world. • Past Presence (Jesus): "God came to be with us. When he came as Jesus, he came in the form of a human." This was God as a person beside humanity. • Current Presence (Holy Spirit): With Jesus's departure, the Holy Spirit was sent to "set up residence in you, Christian." This is God as a person who "lives inyou." This theological point serves as the final affirmation that believers are the present-day vehicle for God's message. Having been transformed by the Christmas story, they are now called to embody it and deliver its message to others, effectively serving as the "angels" the world still needs.

FACEBOOK COPY: Who are we letting close enough to carry our armor?

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Back in 1997 in Taipei they decided, as part of a celebration to do a massive game of tug of war. Let me ask you, how many of you were the kid that would let go of the rope when playing tug of war… Ha, just about every guy I know has done that. The people should have let go of the rope… That day they had 1,600 people join in the tug of rope. I can't even imagine that many people and how long the rope had to have been. Here's what I do know, that many people, tugging on one rope exerted 176,369 lbs of force on the rope… Here was the problem, no one thought to check how much force the rope 2” thick rope could actually handle, which was only 57,320 lbs. What happened was crazy. When all 1600 people began tugging all at once the rope severed and as it did, two men has their arms ripped from their bodies… It's not clear if the rope snapped back and severed the arms or if they were literally ripped off their bodies. Can you imagine standing there looking down at the ground and being like, “someone lost an arm” and then realizing it was you… Oh man, that's crazy! This morning we are going to begin to explore the tension that's created when we follow God by looking at the life and story of Abraham from scripture. I heard someone say once that Tension is not something you can typically get rid of, rather it's something you manage. my hope is to help you learn to manage the tension SCRIPTURE: Genesis 12:1-3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a] 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”[b] It would be easy for me to preach an inspirational sermon about hearing God, believing God, and following God. I could preach and get yall fired up and talking about how Abraham didn't hesitate, he just followed God and how through Abe God will bless all peoples, some day Jesus will come through his lineage and you will sit in this room today because this guy thousands of years ago left everything. And while that sermon would be good and true, it would miss something. Did you notice what Abe was going to have to leave behind to follow the call of God? b His country, his people, and his family If you've ever done something significant like moving away from a place you grew up in you know this wasn't a quick easy thing for Abe. I'm preaching for the silence right now, and we don't know for sure. But you do know that his country is the land he grew up in, it's knowing all the honey holes for fishing, and knowing the best places to hunt. It's all the culture and customs he's ever known. His country represents everything he's comfortable with. and his people? Abe is leaving his friends, he's leaving his neighbors, he's leaving his aunts and uncles and relatives. He's leaving free babysitting and help with sick animals, he's leaving all his community Leaving his people is leaving his community and friends behind. and then to leave his father's household. There's no phones, there's no facetime. Abe is literally saying, “I may never see you again” to the people who are closest to him. Leaving his father's household is going into the world alone. Look, it would be easy for me to make this seem easy, but following God is not easy, it's full of tension. It would be easy to hide the fact that Abe will take things into his own hands because things didn't happen the way he thought they should. It would be easy to hide the doubt his wife had or how she laughed at God or how God gave promises to her too to confirm what he called Abe to do. Following God is not always easy and clear cut. Jesus said it this way: John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. So, I was thinking. How do I help you make sense of this without overwhelming you. On one side I want you to start listening to God and being brave enough to follow Him into the generosity of giving your life away like Abraham did b On the other side, I want to make sure it's God you're listening to… b 2 Guardrails as you learn to follow God into the unknown: b 1. Start with what's clear. God has already called you to certain things, have you mastered those? Love your neighbor, Love your enemy forgive as He forgave you be generous etc. ILLUSTRATION: When our kids were little and wanted to learn to ride a bike, I learned pretty quickly they needed to learn to balance before they learned peddling. We'd take them to the top of the driveway and have them put their feet down and just let it coast down to the bottom and then go again till that was easy. I'm not saying God won't call you to big things when you are a new christian. But I am saying if you are not faithful in these, why would would he send you big things? b If you haven't learned to look at life through the Kingdom lens of “everything I have is on loan to me, so I can give it away,” then why would He give you more? b Most of what God calls us to is small, it's in the small that He learns if you are able to handle much. (Luke 12:48) 2. Following God should never be a battering ram to use against others ILLUSTRATION: we've all met the person who claims God has told them to do something, the worst cases are the people who say God told them something that manipulates you into having to do something for them. “God told me you are supposed to come help us…” Maybe…. Maybe he did… But Abraham's story wasn't that clear cut God revealed it to his wife too (Genesis 18:1-15) God spoke it multiple times to Abraham (Genesis (Genesis 12, 15, 17) b God may be a God who is hard to nail down, but He is not a God of chaos. b It's ok to take time to confirm what God is calling you to and to make sure you are listening to Him and not just following your emotions… CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: People today are still following God's call like Abraham did. They are still leaving everything they know and giving everything they have to follow Him. My wife and I have done it several times (moving to Kentucky from Kansas was one of those for us). I want to introduce you to a young couple who is taking a massive step. Listen to their story [PLAY VIDEO OF THE OTTS] ------------- Genesis 12:1-3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a] 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”[b] John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. Abraham is called out of a nation that he knew. A land, a people, all his friends. This may not seem like generosity, but let me tell you, generosity is the laying down of what you have to benefit another. Abraham is leaving everything he knows to bless the entire world. You and I are blessed because this man was faithful in what God called him to. Jesus will come through his line as a direct result of him being willing to follow God into this. God still calls people like this. My wife and I moved from KS to be here to minister at the call of God. Same with you, He's still looking for the faithful and to call you to something greater. The question is whether we will respond with generosity, lay down our life and our rights for the blessing of others. The secret is that in the laying down, God ends up blessing us as well… We'll see this in Abe. Interview or video with the Otts STUDY: It's easy to see Abram as some super human who this was easy for, but trapped in those words are lots of heartache, lots of stress, lots of questioning, etc.  "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you." Let's break it down.  Leave the people and customs you have always known - your country.  Leave the land, the way of life, the culture, leave it all... Leave your people - leave the friends you've grown up with, leave the ones you see at the well when you're watering your animals, leave it all. Leave your father's household.  Leave your family, walk away from those you love - no phone calls, no facetime, no returning.  Leave them and never see them again. this was not easy.  This was complete and utter trust - I wonder what Terrah said to Abe? "Son, this is not a smart move.." "Son, what are you going to do if you run out of food? or get attacked?  What will you do? The narrative that's easy to believe and that most of us believe is we are out there alone, but that's not true.  We forget God. We forget that He is moving and will move.   Following God is not an easy peasy thing, it's not straight forward and efficient like we think of efficiency.  following God is being willing to follow Him into the unknown. The tension Abe felt in following God was extreme.  It was not easy, it was a difficult thing.   Guardrails there are already things God has called you to do that are not special love your neighbor forgive be generous etc. Most things God calls us to are not massive - they are little things like, "hey, give that person some help" or "offer to watch their kids for free".  Jesus very clearly said that whoever is faithful in the little things will be given more This is not about baptizing your ideas and telling people it's from God.  Abe very much heard from God and God reconfirmed it multiple times, even with his wife Sarai having it confirmed to her.  This should never be a battering ram to another person.. What has God called you to be generous in that the tension of the unknown has kept you from being obedient? What's the worst thing that would happen if you listened to Him? Who do you need to invite into praying over this decision to make sure you are hearing from God (John says to test the spirits) ORDER: Starting generous tensions -looking at the tension of following God while still in the skin Abe and his call -would be easy to preach an inspirational sermon about following God -but thats not reality. What's hidden in these words are the nights spent deciding to follow God (the pain of separation from family, etc.) -what's hidden in that sermon is Abe doubting and not always listening to God, but taking things into his own hands - his wife laughing -what's hidden is that it was confirmed to his wife and when they finally saw the promise was YEARS later there is tension when following God - because God doesn't make things clean and cut perfect, He makes it wild and makes it where you need to stay close to Him, it's why we call it "following" So, practicals, what do you do if you feel God calling you to something big.. Guardrails there are already things God has called you to do that are not special love your neighbor forgive be generous etc. Most things God calls us to are not massive - they are little things like, "hey, give that person some help" or "offer to watch their kids for free".  Jesus very clearly said that whoever is faithful in the little things will be given more This is not about baptizing your ideas and telling people it's from God.  Abe very much heard from God and God reconfirmed it multiple times, even with his wife Sarai having it confirmed to her.  This should never be a battering ram to another person.. I want to introduce you to some friends who are following God in some big and scary ways... -introduce the Otts talk about their story...

Tune in as we hear a fresh perspective from Griff Ray from Crossroads Church!

Tune in as we hear a fresh perspective from Ken Idleman from The Solomon Foundation!

Tune in as we hear a fresh perspective from Mike McCormick from Calvary Christian Church!

Tune in today as we hear a fresh perspective from Scott Taube of The Solomon Foundation!