Victory Life Online

Consequences of the Christ - 6 Chosen, Called, Justified, Glorified Living a Supernatural Life = Living life in the presence of God. Making decisions, planning, remembering, learning, growing all in the presence of God. Past hurts remembered in the presence of God turn into our greatest strengths. Naturally hurts get us down. Supernaturally they become our biggest potential. No condemnation -> No Separation with no failure in between. ___________________________________ Romans 8:30 (NLT) And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Chosen -> Called -> Justified -> Glorified ___________________________________ Romans 8:1 - No condemnation means we are chosen. ___________________________________ Called: Romans 8:18 - Revelation 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. ___________________________________ Romans 8:21 - Delivered …because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [f [1]]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ___________________________________ Justified: Romans 8:23 - Aligned Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ___________________________________ Romans 8:24 - Divine Faith (Hope) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. ___________________________________ Made Holy: Romans 8:26-27 - Promises 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [g [2]]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God The Holy Spirit never gossips about you. He always thinks you are pretty amazing and always speaks well of you. ___________________________________ CONCLUSION: His love does supernatural things to us! Romans 8:35-38 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet 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 principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ___________________________________ [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans8&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-28138f [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans8&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-28143g

Mission Weekend Walk Across The Room Awkward “elephant in the room” type moment… “Don’t know their name…” _____________________________________ We have spoken about missions a lot! But we still have not seen Jesus return… Matthew 24:14 New Living Translation (NLT) 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations[a [1]] will hear it; and then the end will come. _____________________________________ You have to walk across the room before you walk across the world… Jesus already crossed the universe for you. He already walked across the room! _____________________________________ Romans 8:1 New Living Translation (NLT) (No Condemnation) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a [2]] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b [3]] from the power of sin that leads to death. / Romans 8:39 New Living Translation (NLT) (No Separation) No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. With no defeat in-between = YOU CANT GET THIS WRONG! _____________________________________ Jesus walked across the room to show us how we are to step out! JESUS’ FIRST STEPS Galatians 4:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT) 4 But when the right time (a) came, God sent his Son (b) , born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom (c) for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. a) They were part of a plan. b) Built around a person (Jesus) not an organization (the church) The initial walk across a room was not arbitrary and still had to be taken by person. That person was sent by God the Father in the person of Jesus the Christ. c) For a specific purpose. Our scripture says that He came to “redeem those” under the law. That would be you and me. _____________________________________ YOUR FIRST STEPS If you have received grace you are to extend grace… Your Timing a) My Plan/Timing – Jesus has made it that your time is NOW! b) You have been sent - HERE! c) Your purpose? - To get really good at loving people Every unique situation you have walked through is preparing you for the unique mission you will walk out. _____________________________________ Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Good is in you and so when the time comes for you to do good - you will want to. Does your desire to do good trump your desire to do nothing? Your desire to do nothing is excuse based, your desire to do something is faith based. They say that the opposite of faith is fear, I say the opposite of faith is an excuse… Leave your “Circle of Comfort”. Malawi can be just as far away as a small group! 3. Be willing to enter the “Zone of the Unknown”. Faith creates  growth. Faith is about the unknown. If you only ever step into the known you are never really taking a leap off faith faith. “take the right steps” vs. going in leaps and bounds _____________________________________ [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+24%3A14&version=NLT#fen-NLT-23945a [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28080a [3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28080b

Consequences 3 Approval Continual pursuit for More Approval - Money/Things — Perfection — Pride — Comfort Attempting to Reach the Unreachable! So many people chasing something they will never catch. Get that happy—Can’t get that—Do, Not Enough—Doesn’t deliver! Approval—Will you please like me—accept me—affirm me? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How many of you might care too much what others think? If you’re raising your hand so I will feel better—Might have problem. Drug addict seeks drugs—People pleasers seek approval. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 PROBLEMS PEOPLE PLEASERS BATTLE ¥ You obsess about what others think. New outfit—Music—Car—House—Hair—Cool enough? Are we okay? Slow to respond on text? Bubbles disappear! Most vulnerable after message—Sit down next to Amy—Puppy! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ¥ You are often overly sensitive to criticism. One negative comment—Difficult feedback. 100 people say something positive—One negative. ¥ You have a hard time saying “no.” Avoid conflict at all costs! Don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. Selling wrapping paper—Buy wrapping paper won’t use—Magazines won’t read. Go to the party you dread—Go out with the guy you’d rather not see. Overcommitted—Can you help—(Drowning)—Sure, happy to! (Think I’ve got nothing better to do!) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare… Prov 29:25 mowqesh (mo-kashe'); a noose (for catching animals), a hook (for the nose). 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Prov 29:25 Good news—Whoever trusts in the Lord—Is—Kept—Safe! If you are anything like me, I can easily be overly concerned with what people think about me. Fearing what people think is a trap—a snare. It’s not just a relational problem—It’s a spiritual one. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget about what God thinks about you. That’s why we want to have a different goal! Instead of living for the approval of people Something impossible to obtain. We want to live for God and God alone! For his will—For his glory—For his purposes! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In fact it was the Apostle Paul who boldly declared in Gal 1:10 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.** If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. * Gal 1:10 *If  pleasing people were my goal—I would not be Christ’s servant!* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The truth is—We are drawn to carrying what people think! So let’s call it what it is… Here are two… FACTS ABOUT THE DISEASE TO PLEASE As much as we don’t want to admit it… #1 1) People pleasing is a form of idolatry. More of SPIRITUAL problem than a RELATIONAL problem. Idolatry! Putting people ahead of Christ. I’m asking people to meet a need they cannot meet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In fact Jesus show us this truth clearly in John 12:42. Jesus had performed a bunch of miracles! But there were still Jewish leaders who wouldn’t believe Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus described their idolatry this way… 42 …But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God. John 12:42-43 They loved the approval of people more than living for God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Have you ever been there? I know I have. You laughed at something you shouldn’t have. You compromised values—Did something to impress—Lied save face. You overcommitted to prove your commitment to God. You let someone’s opinion of you stop you from something. You hid your faith or didn’t share your faith—Possible add humor. It’s a hard truth but it’s true—People pleasing is a form of idolatry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The second fact about the disease please is  the good news. #2… 2) The approval of God sets us free from the disease to please! I love the way Paul said it in 1 Thes 2 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts... 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else… 1 Thes 2:4, 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Think about how freeing this is! We can’t please all people! No matter how hard we try! You please one group—Another is disappointed. You get it right—They change their mind. We can’t please everyone—But—We can please God! Because of what Christ did for us—We are forgiven—Changed! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I hope, I pray, you will accept this life changing truth! If you are in Christ—GOD APPROVES OF YOU! God doesn’t just love you—He accepts you! He likes you! He approves! Think about it—Your worth isn’t based on what people think about you! Your worth is based on what God thinks about you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WHO YOU DOES GOD SAY YOU ARE? ¥ You are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17 ¥ You are forgiven and your sins are washed away. Eph 1:7 ¥ You are more than a conqueror through Christ. Rom 8:37 ¥ You are God’s masterpiece. Eph 2:10 ¥ You are the light of this world. Matt. 5:14 ¥ You are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ. Rom 8:11 ¥ You are a joint heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 ¥ You are Christ’s ambassador. 2 Cor. 5:20     ¥ You are the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:21 ¥ You are greatly loved by God. Romans 1:7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Embrace it! Hold onto it. Let it overcome you! You can’t please everyone—But you can please God. And because of Christ. He approves you are his! When you believe that truth, you can declare it! You can live it! Because I’m his—won’t obsess with what people think! Because I’m crucified with Jesus—not going to hurt my feelings! Because I belong to Jesus—Will address problems—never fear conflict. Because I’m accepted—Say yes to what God wants me to do, no the rest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Because I’m accepted… No one can steal my joy! No one call talk me out of my purpose! No one can stop me from doing God’s will! Fear of man proves to be a snare But whoever trust in the Lord will be kept safe! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consequences 2 LIfe Romans 6:23 23 For the consequences of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. _____________________________________ What is Sin? Sin is adding an additional being to the sin equation - yourself. Deciding what is good and bad created a tension in the human psyche that we were never designed to endure. That tension is deadly… Genesis 2:15-17 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” ________________________________________ PROXIMITY vs TENSION Deuteronomy 28:2 [1] "All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God. Its a curse having to figure out what is wrong or right. It plays to our selfishness… If I do it like this what will I get? “You will be like God.” Satan ________________________________________ Proximity to God = Peace and not tension Proximity to God = Blessing = Life Deuteronomy 30:11-19 11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. 15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live Why All The Curses? Genesis 3:14-19 God was not cursing them - he was highlighting what it is like to no longer be in proximity to HIM AND How we would supernaturally be restored. In Satan he would be supernaturally defeated that would impact the flash and the world of man… The blessing of God affects every aspect of mankind’s existence. ________________________________________ When evil is spoken over you - its words spoken without God. If there is tension in your finance - without God Tension in your marriage - without God The tension in life is caused by us quibbling over what is wrong or right. Blessing is enabled in our life through obedience in faith to the f - without quibble. ________________________________________ Curse = devoid of blessing (tension of good and evil tree) Blessing = proximity to God Proximity to God = life (tree choice) ________________________________________ Romans 6:23 23 For the consequences of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. The reason we can say that Jesus took all of our curses at the cross, is because it is through Him that we are in proximity to God. There are no curses in proximity the God only blessing and life. ________________________________________ Generational Curse = generation 1 not teaching generation 2 how to be obedient. It is not automatic - it is a choice. Your obedience to God (proximity) breaks the curse (tension). ________________________________________ [1] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Deuteronomy/28/2

Consequences 1 What is Sin? Romans 6:15-23 15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. 17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. 18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living. 19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right.21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the consequences of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. ________________________________ We try to combat the consequences (symptoms) but not the root cause. ________________________________ The two polar opposites help explain what sin is: 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, OR you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Obedience is not a weight to bear but a tool to resist sin and keep alive. Not physically but emotionally and spiritually. Sin is therefore disobedience to God. Is sin an action? ________________________________ Consequences of Sin 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” DISATISFIED When we begin to entertain what is best for us without hearing the Word of God - we make decisions that move us from a place of association (obedience) to a place of opposition (disobedience). “Don’t touch that” human nature - we touch it! God wants us to obey him (opposite of sin) not so we blindly follow him, but so that the divine equation is true: ________________________________ Divine equation - obedience = life Obedience is not about conforming to a law (death) but expressing freedom (life) Sin = anything we do to distance our selves from God. Consequence = shame, guilt and condemnation ________________________________ Work it back - shame guilt and condemnation comes from not fully expressing God in your life - something in your life is undermining your relationship with God. Everything in the spiritual realm is direct opposites. God is love. -> Obedience to love (God) = life Therefore to love is to live. ________________________________ If love covers a multitude of sin Sin covers a multitude of love If love of God is life -> Sin covers life. The moment we knowingly or subconsciously deny God - there is death. That death results in the consequence of shame and guilt. Shame and guilt in turn cause us the die some more which causes us to disassociate ourselves from God even more. Genesis 3:20 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right.21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. Then we try to cover over the shame and guilt by trying to do things that we think make ourselves feel better - even for a moment = addictions, perversions, immoral behavior, even illness and sickness. Shame causes more consequences SIN is not consequences. Sin is stepping away from our relationship with God. Addictions are not sin they are the consequence of a consequence. Hiding behind something (addiction) is exactly what Adam and Eve did. Genesis 3:8-11 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man[a [1]] and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” (Have you been disobedient…) Everything from that point was a consequence: Lack of worth Lack of self confidence Blame Hiding away (drugs alchohol) - “drink myself into a hole” Shame is the ultimate weapon that Satan has. He does not even need to create it He just has to get us to think we know better. When we think we have the right to chose - we immediately disassociate ourselves from Gods supremacy, we place ourselves on the throne. The moment we do that - Satan knows shame and condemnation follow: The Sin loop begins. Human rights Gay rights Sex workers rights The moment there was disobedience God made a way out: 14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed     more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly,     groveling in the dust as long as you live. 15  And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,     and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike[b [2]] your head,     and you will strike his heel.” JESUS!!!!!! [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NLT#fen-NLT-64a [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NLT#fen-NLT-71b

Winning The Game of Life By having a God Inspired Purpose Life of purpose vs. life of mediocrity. John 10 - Abundant life Not just breath and survive - achieve my desires and goals. Abundant Life = Fulfilled Life We don’t find that purpose and momentum on our own: PSA 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. MOSES STORY MISDIRECTED PASSION Ex 2:11-12 11 Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. THAT PASSION HAD A GOD THOUGHT BEHIND IT Ex 2:23-25 23 Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God.24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.[c] 40 YEARS OF REFINING AND ALIGNING Spent time in Mideon being refined and aligned… Refined - the gifts needed to be matured. His response had to be negotiate and reliant on Gods strength not his own (Murder). Refine them from a pride into an ability and a humility that would fulfill Moses’s desires in a divine way. Aligned - he needed to come to a realization that the reason he ran was he did not know that the history, position and personality he had been given was not his burden but his purpose. Becomes a divine purpose when we can align who are to Jesus so that he can use us for good. Not a pain but a promoter Aligning and refining is not wasted time. Desert time - Jesus conquered Satan Public Speaking - trouble Preaching - good. HOLY GROUND MOMENT - BURNING BUSH 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” How that must have done something on the inside of him. But how inferior it must have made him feel. Moses was content with having the gifts and using them in a way that he could control and understand… Genesis 3:15b-17 When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters who came as usual to draw water and fill the water troughs for their father’s flocks. 17 But some other shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued the girls from the shepherds. Then he drew water for their flocks. But now he had been shown and felt that what he had always desired, what had cause him to step out of his protected palace world into irrational defense of his people, what he had that would protect some women at a well, could be used to liberate an entire nation. Aligning what little you think you have to the greater good that God has in mind = faith - He can see it but we can’t. Realizing there is a God given purpose to your personality and talents = passion… (ongoing - not grow weary kind of life) Mediocrity comes from weariness… Isaiah 40:31 New Living Translation (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint. The weight of your problem becomes then fuel of your purpose. A Holy Ground Moment With God 1. Submission and Worship - Aligns your life with His will (“Holy Ground” - Moses was anti-oppression - So was God) 2. Eliminates excuses and replaces them with supernatural gifts for the tasks at hand (I can not speak - What do you have in your hand?) He gave Moses things he never knew he could do to replace the things he knew he couldn’t do. 3. Is always for others (liberation of the people) Aligning our desires with His will He will never force our will… We just need to love Him in our day to day lives. Romans 8:28 So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. He wants to use every moment of the life that you call boring, the life that you feel lacks purpose, he wants to use every moment, if you will let him, to work his will. When we can give him those moments (love him) he will use them for good. We can’t camp on Holy Ground… We need to create an environment in our lives of having Holy Ground moments. But we can not camp in the anointing. If Moses had stayed at the burning bush all he would have been able to do is have a good bbq. If David had not responded to the anointing as king he would have just been a greasy shepherd. There are major Holy Ground moments The first one = called by Jesus (Love God - Love others) From palace to people Holy Ground moment 2 = baptism of the Holy Spirit. When you can no longer handle… In a moment of desperation, fear, hopelessness whatever it is, you strike out against your current circumstances and a desire, a dream, is revealed… Marriage is a major holy ground moment. Communion is another major Holy Ground moment. All of these Holy Ground Moments (some call them sacraments) are moments of worship where we align our lives to the purpose of God. But there are also Holy Ground moments that we can have every day… Reading the Word Being with other believers Spending time reasoning with the Holy Spirit (meditation) All the Holy Ground moments are day to day sandal removing activities we can do to ensure we are aligning our desires and our lives, our talents histories and pasts with Gods desire. Despite your excuses, your life has something in it that you know God can use but you are afraid. Let him in supernaturally to link your dream to his and watch the purpose you so desire to walk out become reality… Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Peculiar 7 Blessed With A Burden Many people pray, “God, please bless me.” And God wants to bless you. But the blessings of God are often more than a new car, a bigger salary, and a better lifestyle. In the series, “Blessed,” we’ll experience firsthand some of God’s unusual blessings. GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A BURDEN. IDENTIFY YOUR DIVINE BURDEN WHAT BREAKS YOUR HEART? …The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:3-4 WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY? …(Moses) saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Exodus 2:11-12 WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT THAT OTHERS DON’T? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26 I’M BURDENED BY _____________________________. “I can stands no more” – Popeye WRONG WAYS TO APPROACH YOUR BURDEN COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. IGNORE IT. APPEASE IT. THE RIGHT WAYS TO EMBRACE YOUR BURDEN LET YOUR BURDEN RUIN YOU. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” Isaiah 6:5 LET YOUR BURDEN MOVE YOU TO ACTION. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Personal Reflection Describe a time when you had a “Popeye moment” when something bothered you so deeply that you had to act. Finish the sentence: My divine burden is… (What angers you? What breaks your heart? What do you care about that others don’t?) How can you expose yourself more to your burden? As God increases your burden, what are you going to do about it?

Christ’s Faith For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8 GALATIANS 2:16 we know full well that we don’t receive God’s perfect righteousness as a reward for keeping the law, but by the faith of Jesus, the Messiah! His faithfulness, not ours, has saved us, and we have received God’s perfect righteousness. Now we know that God accepts no one by the keeping of religious laws! It is the faith OF Christ—Christ’s actual faith in us—that justifies us (makes us righteous). Faith starts with human belief, but must quickly move to the real faith OF Christ. Believing that He believes in you! He never waivers…. His faith in you never waivers… _______________________________ Human faith wavers continually and goes up and down according to how one feels at any given moment in time. It is much like a rollercoaster. When events seem positive or look good, human faith is up. When things look bad and the outcome of a matter appears gloomy, human faith disappears in an instant. God’s faith is permanent and does not waver. _______________________________ His faith in us = grace His grace in us = power Romans 12:6-9 6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement,[b] then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion,[c] then flourish in your cheerful[d] display of compassion. We don’t stand up because we fear our ability to follow through. “Don’t start something you know you can’t finish.” We can start anything because He said “It is finished.” When we don’t have enough? When we just cant find enough to press through! Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us - Romans 12:3b Filled but not full? Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. When it comes tp Jesus faith in you - it is perfect - there is no doubt.

1.     Have you ever thought about your thinking? Thinking about our thoughts the peculiar series royal priest set apart – we are supposed to be different– the problem is we have our own way of thinking that we believe has been working for us just fine. dice example – we each have a way of thinking and many times it is in opposition to God. We have to be able to differentiate what’s good in our own eyes versus what is Godly Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 We have to change our way of thinking And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Matthew 5:27-28 Jesus knew the power of our thought life. You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 2.     Hungry Fighter Story: City built unprotected, attack, death, man spoke up and asked everyone to meet at the city gates at dawn. Some people were fearful and thought they couldn’t win. They made up in their minds they were going to die, beg for their life. Enemy was rejoicing outside the city Look back at the city Emerged as hungry fighters Enemy realized these men had nothing to lose You are the man in the city and you must decide what you will do. This is the point when your thinking will transform in to action. Are you a Hungry Fighter? 3.     William Booth quote We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus 4.     TEAM method – the battlefield is your mind. Who is the enemy  Ephesians 6;12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but spirits and principalities, the rulers of darkness. Everybody is a champ until they get in the ring. If an announcer was announcing the fight it would probably go like this Enemy of God, deceiver of Adam and billions of people that have followed him. He has 6,000 years experience  in this corner we have a new believer 1 year of experience and is surprised that he is in the fight.  If the enemy can shape your belief about yourself and others. You will be defeated before you know you are in a fight. The enemy is seeking to destroy you. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Our peculiar approach to defeat the enemy is our filter OUR FILTER SHOULD BE: 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 For though we walk in the flesh. We do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every though into captivity to the obedience of Christ 5.     Saul of Tarsus Example Have you ever tried to do God’s will your own way. We replace the enemy’s lie with God’s truth Armor of God we don’t fight the enemy 6.     Gideon Example Transition into being a Hungry Fighter 7.     William Booth quote We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus Holy behavior comes from 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Ephesians 6:12 TEAM method bad examples Farming example. Didn’t know We have to understand that we are made holy when we accept Christ and we do not have to live in this bondage. We are free and have to use the tools we were given. In Ephesians 6:17 when Paul talks about the armor of God we are given only one weapon the sword of the spirit the word of God and continue to stand. James 4:17 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 For though we walk in the flesh. We do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every though into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. How do we win the fight. We defeat the lies of the enemy with God’s truth. John 8:32 And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Quote from William Booth of the salvation army

LOADING… More Faith Needed _______________________________ Picking your battles Doing the right thing at the right time Maximise _______________________________ Hebrews 11:6 The Passion Translation (TPT) And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God.For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him. _______________________________ Where is your faith? What about you? Do you have faith to know that God is with you? To overcome sin and guilt? To be healed of disease? To believe all things in His Word? Do you really believe that “all things [will] work together for good” if you love God (Rom. 8:28)? To believe God will work out injustices you have received? To believe God will provide for you? To believe that you can endure severe trials and persecution? Or that God will deliver you from them? Get a full download (revelation) of faith Download Site: Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” __________________________________ Real faith comes from the Spirit of God—it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. No one can have it without God’s Spirit. No spirit no faith - no faith no pleasing God. I found something I think I want to prioritize…. FAITH _____________________________________ 0 % MY CHURCH The church denomination or affiliation you attend. This description of faith is seriously flawed. DOWNLOAD CANCELED Ephesians 44-5: being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny. For the Lord God is one, and so are we, for we share in one faith, one baptism, and one Father. 1000’s of churches in USA alone ______________________________________ 10% POSITIVE THINKING Faith is an intangible “feeling” that cannot be defined. It is often …personal, mysterious and unique to each person. No definition, structure, or clear purpose and, inevitably, is whatever people want or need it to be. “positive thinking” …take an optimistic view and remain upbeat about events and circumstances. It’s a start but… these are just good qualities of mind. ____________________________________________ 20% CONFIDENCE Confidence is important: Hebrews 10:35 - “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward.” Confidence is most usually based on knowledge… Confidence is vital for Christians, confidence alone is not faith.  _____________________________________________ 30% HOPE Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run. 1 Corinthians 13:!3 Hope is one of the top three but if faith and hope are the same thing, why are they listed separately? ______________________________________________ 40% JESUS DIED FOR ME… Faith is any general belief that Jesus died for your sins. The fully downloaded version of faith does include this important belief. There is no doubt that if someone does not believe in the most basic understanding that Christ died for his or her sins, there is a problem. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and if someone doubts Christ died for his sins, he certainly is not pleasing God. Believing that Christ died for your sins is a direction—an avenue—of faith, but not what faith is! _______________________________ 50%  STUDY Prayer, study, fasting and meditation are spiritual activities. “They that worship Him [the Father] must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Spirit reveals faith - Study defines it (doctrine) The glass falling reveals gravity, science defines it (formulae) _______________________________ _______________________________ 60% Evidence The already accomplished word of God Hebrews 11:1 Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. Evidence in courtrooms create a certainty. Therefore, where faith is involved, there is an ASSURANCE that it will be received! Faith is based on an evidence. We do not produce evidence of our faith (works) we have faith based on evidence… If God promises to do something, it is impossible for Him to lie Hebrews 6:18: So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeable hope! OUR FAITH IS BASED ON HIS FAITHFULNESS If you have true Christian faith, you do not need to search for the evidence—you already possess it! _______________________________ 70% ASSURANCE If something is hoped for, that something has not yet been received. Therefore, where faith is involved, there is an ASSURANCE that it will be received! HIS FAITHFULNESS Faith is spiritual, not physical. It is a confident assurance, which comes from the Spirit of God in the mind of a converted human being. _______________________________ 80% Promises of God The yet to be accomplished word of God Not just acknowledging them, or knowing them. They become your first thought, your default, your natural incline. Every time you demonstrate faith in God, it involves a specific promise. A promise can involve healing, answers to prayer, receiving blessings, deliverance in a trial, guidance in a difficult decision and, most importantly, receiving salvation. In every instance, faith involves claiming a specific promise made by God. _______________________________ 90% POWER Combining that which God has already done (Evidence) with the assurance that what He says he will do (Promise) =POWER. Jesus knew that “the Father that dwells in Me, He does the works” John 14:10: Don’t you believe that the Father is living in me and that I am living in the Father? Even my words are not my own but come from my Father, for he lives in me and performs his miracles of power through me. _______________________________ It was through the power of God’s Spirit in Him that Christ accomplished everything that He did. But can you have the same kind of faith that Christ had! _______________________________ 100% GRACE We can not complete the download on our own… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8 GALATIANS 2:16 16 we know full well that we don’t receive God’s perfect righteousness as a reward for keeping the law, but by the faith of Jesus, the Messiah! His faithfulness, not ours, has saved us, and we have received God’s perfect righteousness. Now we know that God accepts no one by the keeping of religious laws! It is the faith OF Christ—Christ’s actual faith in us—that justifies us (makes us righteous). Faith starts with human belief, but must quickly move to the real faith OF Christ. Believing that He believes in you! _______________________________ Human faith wavers continually and goes up and down according to how one feels at any given moment in time. It is much like a rollercoaster. When events seem positive or look good, human faith is up. When things look bad and the outcome of a matter appears gloomy, human faith disappears in an instant. God’s faith is permanent and does not waver. _______________________________ Impossible to please God without faith - no one comes to the Father unless we come through Jesus. Christ asked, “When the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) _______________________________

Peculiar 4 Get in the Game A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD. 9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The most inspiring message—You don’t want to hear. Text: Good News Bad News Jesus never promised: Be rich Never Heartbroken Wouldn’t rain vacation Plumbing never backup Isn’t Ironic? Don’t You Think Rain on your wedding day Black fly in your chardonnay Death pardon two minutes too late It's like rain on your wedding day  It's a free ride when you've already paid  It's the good advice that you just didn't take  Time and unforeseen circumstance befall us all - Eccl 9:11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What did Jesus promise? If you follow him—Persecuted 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first... 20bIf they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:18, 20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 Peter: Context: Peter is writing to Gentile Christians Emperor Nero—Murdered mom, Wife (Octavia), Most likely 2nd wife. Suspected Nero burned Rome, Blamed Christians: Extreme Persecution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many believe worst decade of Christian persecution in history of the world. (Open Doors USA) On avg: 370 Christians killed month—300 Christian churches prop destroyed 800 acts of violence (rape, beatings, tortures, etc). Lose family—Lose job Arrested and beat—Not invited to the party Different Perspective in Persecution 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 If you’re living faithfully for Christ—Don’t be surprised when face opposition. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Playing soccer—Bench, Water bottle flipping, Playing games on phone. If you are opposition—Are you worried about me? Get in the game—Attacking and shooting. Shut me down. Move from happiness to holiness Move from comfort to persecution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you’re on the bench spiritually Don’t serve, Don’t give, Prayer life is weak, Not sharing—No Threat. Get in game—Enemy takes notice. Don’t be surprised—Battle—They are shooting at me! What did you expect—Christianity is not a playground—Battleground. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial… If Peter were writing message today—He might adapt it to his audience. ïLibya—Don’t be surprised if someone you know is beheaded. ïMuslim Indonesia—If your family disowns you for following Christian. ïYoung girl in college—You don’t get a second date—stance purity. ïYOU—Family makes fun Thanksgiving ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT So many people are seeking comfort, pleasure and ease. Avoid conflict—Dodge any opposition—Take path of least resistance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Smoke or drink to fit in. Laugh at racist or sexist joke—know it’s wrong. Hide your faith in Christ so no one pokes fun at you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pursue Comfort  Avoid Opposition  Faith Weakens  Life’s Empty Live Boldly  Face Opposition  Faith Strengthens  Closer to Christ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19 Class Captain - To Win - What do you believe? Do what is right and trust God with the outcome DID I WIN??? Not going to tell you! Doesn’t matter if you win - it matters that you do what’s right. Do what’s right at work—At school—Family—Team We don’t cut corners—We don’t compromise our values—We don’t shy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ World is getting darker and darker—Does this worry you? Do you ever worry? Not at all! Persecution never weakens the church—It strengthens our faith. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ So easy to CLAIM to be Christian where I live. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don’t worry when you are persecuted. Worry when you’re not. Comfort being uncomfortable Put myself out there—That’s when I experience God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 Give it to God! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.  I Peter 5:11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PECULIAR 3 LIGHT IN THE DARK One of the words Peter uses over and again: Calling, Call, Called. Calling—Emboldens, Encourages, Empowers. Class Captain - Badge God does not call us to get a job done he calls us to empower us. Peculiar - who you belong to characteristically. ------------------------------------------------------------------ • AN ETERNAL CALL TO CHRIST. (Peter/Unlikely) • A TEMPORARY CALL TO AN ASSIGNMENT. (Class Captain) • A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD. What am I called to do? God will call you to a WHO before a DO! Who before do—When you know who you are—Know what to do. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter writing to persecuted Christians • Superstitious—Miracles—Magicians—Jesus head magician. • Incestuous—Agape Meetings (Love Feasts)—Brother and Sister • Cannibals—Take and eat my body. 9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 Not what you were—New creation—Redeemed—Set free Most don’t think we are Superstitious—Incestuous—Cannibals. Self-righteous—Judgmental—Intolerant bigots. Some so called Christians—Unfortunately earned these titles. Peter writing to suffering and despised Xian Christ is calling you—Different standard. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Peter—Not going to try to convince them to believe like we believe. Going to show them what we believe—by how we behave. Not going to tell you about my faith first—Live my faith! You don’t have to be defensive. Best defense is a good offense ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you think I’m ever criticized? Our church? Instead of defending—We’re not a cult. Not a bad guy—get to know me. Lead the way with irrational love. We are not spiritual consumers—Church exists for world! Known for what we are for—Not against. Let’s be generous—Righteous—Loving! …15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 1 Peter 2:15 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. (*) He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (*) Not get promotion, Makes fun of you, Only one not invited Weak—he was gentle. Didn’t understand—patient. Rejected—he was loving. Sinned—forgiving. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- What was he not—Proud, Arrogant, Condescending, Defensive, Hateful. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. 1 Peter 2:22-24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peter continues: what said more peculiar - showing who you belong to characteristically. Normal: Curse those—Curse! Hate those—Hate! Revenge—Wrong 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 You are called to go the extra mile Love your enemies—Bless those who persecute you! To the world that’s peculiar in a weird way To us that’s peculiar in a showing who we belong to characteristically. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- You’re on call! Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging Called to do good! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class Captain Down and depressed Bullied Family member betrays—forgive Neighbor can’t mow Left out Takes advantage—Continue love Short $ groceries Need church ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I’m on call—On call to Love. Serve. Give. Blessing. On call to find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it. You are called Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging Called to Do Good

Peculiar 2 Different Values in an Unholy Culture But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9 Last week—learned Peter was writing to persecuted Christians Already hated: Nero most likely burned Rome—Blamed Christians. In the face of difficulties, we have a peculiar kind of faith. This World is not your home! Because of this world not your own—You are called to be different! You are called to be peculiar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [temporary residents] 1 Peter 1:13-17 The greatest obstacle to following Christ may be your desire to fit in with this world. (Philosophies of the world) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Didn’t create you to fit in—Stand out. God never says that you blend in—You are set apart—Different. Peculiar Normal: Broke, Hurting, Stressed, Divorced, Afraid, Anxious. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jesus said wide is the road and broad is the path—Destruction Small gate. Narrow road. Cuss.. Able to stop saying it—Didn’t stop thinking it. Different on the outside—Not on the inside! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why does it even matter? 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 He has not called you to be happy—“be happy in all you do.” - be HOLY in all you do. So many people wrongly believe God highest calling is your happiness. God’s highest calling for you is not your happiness but your holiness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Theology of happiness empowers personal justification: Since I’m not happy—Allowed do something that would otherwise be wrong. ¬Not happy in my marriage—I’m simply leaving. ¬Want this thing—Can’t afford this thing—Gonna get this thing! ¬Dating know we should wait—We’re in love—God understands. Married. When we believe that God wants us happy above all else, discomfort, delay, risk, and suffering can’t be God’s will. Without knowing it, we begin to worship the false gods of comfort, money, pleasure, and things. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Happy—God exists to serve me God does not exist to serve us—We exist to serve him—HOLY. Hágios—holy, set apart, different, pure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow Jesus and Have the Courage to be Different. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14 Effort How many know you can slip into sin? Fall into temptation. You don’t slip into righteousness—I tripped and became holy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subtle—Sneaky—Never—Be a Satanist! (Sacrifice chicken) Your enemy—Did God really say? Did God really say can’t watch those adult shows on Netflix? That music with bad language is bad? Gossip is a sin Not to post half-naked photos on Instagram? I’m not that bad—I’m a lot better than a lot of people. A lot of people are not the standard! Questions for Reflection: ïWhat is three areas I struggle most trying to fit in? ïWhen was a time I put my happiness above God’s call for holiness? ïWhat are the biggest ways that I’m different from the world? ïWhat is the area that God wants me to be different? —————————————————————————— Why holy? Why does it even matter? 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21 God says—Be Holy Because I Am Holy Because of who he—And because of what he’s done—I want to be holy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Not that I have to—WANT TO We are not talking about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. We are talking about SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Living holy isn’t the path to knowing Christ. Knowing Christ is the path to living Holy.

Peculiar 1 A Different Kind of Faith But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9 Based on the book of 1 Peter: 1. For those facing a trial. Seems unfair. Wish you could change it. Don’t have answers. Trying can’t conceive, Financial obstacles and struggling to pay your bills Battling cancer, Child is making unwise decisions—Feel helpless. 2. For those about to face a trial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Context: Peter written by Simon Peter (Spoiler) Peter is often described as an Uneducated Fisherman - he had a very sharp mind! Peter writes to hurting Christians: Election, Foreknowledge, Sanctification, Obedience, Blood of Christ, Trinity, Grace, Revelation, Hope. What’s most emotional in his writing—speaking to those suffering ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Not sure when 1 Peter written: Between 60-65 AD during reign of Nero—Christians faced extreme persecution. July of 64 AD—fire in Rome burned out of control 6 days—another 3. Believed Nero started fire insatiable lust build—Blamed Christians. (Senate) Animal skins—Wax on trees! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is not your home! We are Peculiar to this earth This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 1 Peter 1:1 parepidēmois—exiles, sojourners, aliens, strangers, foreigners, different and peculiar to the norm Because you are not from here—You don’t live like those from here. As followers of Jesus—we are not called to look like the rest of the world. Different values, Different standards, Different goals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WEEK 1: Peculiar Faith in Trials WEEK 2: Peculiar Values in an Unholy Culture WEEK 3: Peculiar Calling in a Dark World WEEK 4: Peculiar Perspective in Persecution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PECULIAR FAITH IN TRIALS Trials are bad! Why would God allow? If you are in the middle of a difficult time—say—Faith is being tested 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. 1 Peter 1:6-7 If there is a “genuine faith,” there’s also a false faith. One of the biggest challenges I see in churches today: False faith. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FALSE (NORMAL) FAITH My Dad was a Methodist, mom a Baptist,    baptized as a baby ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sower sows seed—Takes root—worries of life, deceitfulness wealth, desire things choke word. Some of you won’t be engaged with things of faith in six months. Busy with school—Student loans—Car payment—Partying—Pot. ——————————————————————————————————————— I will believe as long as things go my way. Guy gym—Wife left me, struggling financially—how can I believe God? Trial is testing my faith! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW DOES GOD USE YOUR TRIALS? 1.TRIALS REVEAL YOUR FAITH. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. 1 Peter 1:7 A faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted. 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Early years—Obnoxious: Impulsive, Cocky, Very inconsistent Later years—Faithful, Devoted, Patient—Bold. Denied Christ 3x—Young girl Willing to die death as a martyr. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 Wrecked with pain—There is purpose in your pain! God never causes a hurt But God never wastes a hurt! —————————————————————————— 2. TRIALS DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD. 8 You love [God] even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT The good news isn’t that God saves us from our trials. The good news is that God saves us from our sins! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As you grow to depend on God You rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Peter—Rock! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blame God (inherited, shallow faith) Turn from God to own ways (conditional faith) We are willing to face the trial with God We dont look for God in the trial.

CHRISTIAN vs. THE REST The differentiator of our beliefs What makes a holiday great for you? Differences in making a vacation a good one! What is one thing that completely changes our belief structure - sets Christianity apart from any other belief?_____________________________________ Some of the things Jesus did, anyone could do! Some of the things Jesus did, may be able to be explained away. Some of the things Jesus did, may have been distorted by history. Some of the things Jesus did, could have been old wives tales. Some of the words Jesus spoke could have been spoken by other men. Being put to death on a cross - that was something many did. Stage show magicians pull rabbits out of hats, he pulled bread out of a basket. _____________________________________ When all has been said and done, what was the thing that Jesus did that no one else has ever done that broke the veil? That ripped the understandable, comprehensible and understood world into the supernatural, unseen and eternal world? Die and be resurrected! When it comes to faith (religion) its a major difference to other religions. When it comes to our faith (belief) its one of the big items in scripture that we have to get our heads around. _____________________________________ Christianity's core belief is that the Son of God took on human form (baby in a manger), died for our sins (the story of the cross) and then rose from the dead to give us eternal life. (WHAT???? _____________________________________ But if Jesus Christ didn't come back to life, it undoes His claim to be the all-powerful, eternal Son of God, Savior and Messiah. It undoes every promise and prophesy, it nullifies God’s word and causes Christianity to completely implode. So, Christianity hangs on the Resurrection. _____________________________________ Your hope and faith hangs on the resurrection. It’s one of the core elements of our belief that takes complete and blind faith! The good words spoken by Jesus appeals to our logic, but the resurrection of the Christ, whether we are in a good or bad situation, through faith unlocks that which defies logic _____________________________________ 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 TPT The Importance of the Resurrection 12 The message we preach is Christ, who has been raised from the dead. So how could any of you possibly say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no such thing as a resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14 And if Christ has not been raised, all of our preaching has been for nothing and your faith is useless. 15 Moreover, if the dead are not raised, that would mean that we are false witnesses who are misrepresenting God. And that would mean that we have preached a lie, stating that God raised him from the dead, if in reality he didn’t. 16 If the dead aren’t raised up, that would mean that Christ has not been raised up either. 17 And if Christ is not alive, you are still lost in your sins and your faith is a fantasy. 18 It would also mean that those believers in Christ who have passed away have simply perished. 19 If the only benefit of our hope in Christ is limited to this life on earth, we deserve to be pitied more than all others! _____________________________________ Jesus lived, was crucified, raised on the third day, and was seen by many. The Jewish authorities tried to cover it up with money. The Roman government tried to silence it with violence. Modern skeptics try to argue it away. Was Jesus resurrected? No social media/selfies/video footage. All we have is eye witnesses. And the behavior of those who claimed to have seen him alive and resurrected... _____________________________________ "Eye-witnesses believed He was." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 The Passion Translation (TPT) 3 For I have shared with you what I have received and what is of utmost importance: The Messiah died for our sins,
 fulfilling the prophecies of the Scriptures. 4 He was buried in a tomb
 and was raised from the dead after three days,
 as foretold in the Scriptures.[a]5 Then he appeared to Peter the Rock[b]
 and to the twelve apostles.[c] 6 He also appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at the same time, most of whom are still alive as I write this, though a few have passed away.[d] 7 Then he appeared to Jacob[e] and to all the apostles.  8 Last of all he appeared in front of me, like one born prematurely, ripped from the womb.[f] _____________________________________ BEFORE When Jesus was taken away by the soldiers, the disciples scattered (Matthew 26:56). When they thought Him dead, they hid (John 20:19). AFTER AFTER He appeared to them, however, they changed. Peter Peter, who had denied knowing Him (Matthew 26:69-75), spoke boldly to entire crowds (Acts 2), stood up to the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22), endured flogging (Acts 5:40), and went to prison (Acts 12:1-19), but wouldn't stop preaching. Stephen insisted on Jesus' resurrection, right up to the moment the Sanhedrin stoned him (Acts 7). _____________________________________ NO BENEFIT TO MAKING THIS CLAIM While many may die for a belief, these are martyrs who died for what they claimed they saw. They had no reason to lie. Saying Jesus had not risen would have given them a chance for a relatively peaceful, prosperous life. Insisting He was raised brought them multiple scourgings, imprisonments, and horrific deaths. _____________________________________ PECULIAR CLAIM Paul, a persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1-2) and James, Jesus' brother and a confirmed skeptic (John 7:2-5), both claimed to have seen Jesus after His resurrection. And both died, refusing to recant that belief. Claiming Jesus had risen granted them no earthly rewards. (Peculiar claim) _____________________________________ Paul went from a respected, powerful member of the Jewish leadership to a near-vagrant, constantly working, traveling, and preaching with occasional breaks for prison. James was known for doing the right thing. He didn't believe in Jesus until he had seen proof that Jesus was the Messiah. In response, he became a leader of the church of Jerusalem—a church that was continuously persecuted. _____________________________________ SUICIDAL But there is no theory that can explain the eye-witness accounts and the extreme change in behavior and near suicidal teachings they stuck to...except that Jesus really was resurrected. Because of that, we can have hope that we, too, will rise one day and meet Him. _____________________________________ THE IMPACT OF THE RESURRECTION: The resurrection is what changes our belief from fact to faith... I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25 _____________________________________ WHAT DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT RESURECTION? Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha... 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:1,3 Bad news...—the one you love is sick. 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4• Summarize 5-14: Waited 2 days Let’s go back to Judea. “Jews tried to kill you—why go back? Lazarus has fallen asleep; I’m going there to wake him up. _____________________________________ Sin - cross - no reason not to be in relationship with God - His love and forgiveness for you. DEAD ENDS - YOUR RESURRECTION IS NOW Without the supernatural, doubt, discouragement, delay rob you of hope. _____________________________________ 1) DEAD IN YOUR DOUBTS. (Thomas) 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16 Ever had spiritual doubts? Perfect people polish halo. Prayed & nothing happened? Resurrection is what changes everything... The resurrection is what changes doubts to truth... _____________________________________ 2) DEAD IN YOUR DISCOURAGEMENT. (Mary) 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. John 11:20 Always be depressed. Never good marriage, Always fail as parent. Never really loves me. Always dead end job. Dream is dead. Resurrection is what restores hope. _____________________________________ 3) DEAD IN THE DELAY. (Martha) (3 days, dead, stinketh) 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days...21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:17, 21 Delay: Never marry, Baby, Praying for loved one, Healing God’s delays are not God’s denials! But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask. John 11:22 Loneliness—comfort, Confusion—Peace, Financially—Provider. Broken family—put pieces together, Mistakes u made—life matters. Cold and calloused toward God—heart soft. Dead—bring to life. Jesus said to (Martha), “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:23-26 _____________________________________ THE RESURRECTION IS NOT AN EVENT—IT’S A PERSON. Didn’t say—I’m able to resurrect—but I am resurrection. Jesus told them, Take away the stone! 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:43-44 If my God can defeat death—my God can do anything! I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25

MIRROR MIRROR 4 - Approved We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. So how can we get to our true identity? By laying down who we think we are tobecome who God says we are.                  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.  Romans 12:3 (TPT) God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. WE WILL LAY DOWN OUR: FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. NEED FOR CONTROL. RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. LONGING FOR APPROVAL. Recovering people pleaser ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNS YOU ARE LONGING FOR APPROVAL YOU WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK.  Public Speaking, Social media, Clothes, Hair, Don’t raise hand. YOU ARE OFTEN OVERLY SENSITIVE.  New outfit, Slow to call back, Feeling okay? YOU COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES.  Boyfriend, Joke, Language, Debt, Know truth YOU HESITATE SHARING YOUR FAITH. (Weird, Pray) YOU HAVE A HARD TIME SAYING NO. Outside you are agreeable Inside you are in turmoil ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EGO—affirm me, like me, approve of me. Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget who Gods says you are ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fear of man will prove to be a snare (mokesh), but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Prov 29:25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dogs and fence e.g. Parent vs. being liked by your kids ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Idolatry! Putting people ahead of Christ. People are too big in my life and God is too small. I’m asking people to meet a need they cannot meet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW DO WE OVERCOME THE DISEASE TO PLEASE? FOCUS ON PLEASING GOD INSTEAD OF PLEASING PEOPLE. 10 Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant. Gal 1:10 NLT I can’t please everyone, but I can please God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIVE FROM THE APPROVAL OF GOD INSTEAD OF FOR THE APPROVAL OF PEOPLE. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.    1 Thess 2:4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My worth isn’t based on what you think about me but what God says about me! Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget who God says you are: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHO YOU DOES GOD SAY YOU ARE? You are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17 You are forgiven and your sins are washed away. Eph 1:7 You are more than a conqueror through Christ. Rom 8:37 You are God’s masterpiece. Eph 2:10 You are the light of this world. Matt. 5:14 You are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ. Rom 8:11 You are a joint heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 You are Christ’s ambassador. 2 Cor. 5:20 You are the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:21 You are greatly loved by God. Romans 1:7 ——————————————————————————————————————— 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Can’t please everyone—can please God. —————————————————————————————

MIRROR MIRROR 3 The Right to Be Offended We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. Laying down who we think we are to become who God says we are. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Romans 12:3 (TPT) God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. LAY DOWN OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL. Get upset at the most meaningless things. Offense starts where grace ends For years, I was easily offended. Meaningless things. Driving—no “thank you” wave! Why do we allow small offenses to affect us in a big way? Egos win, right—Win, enemy. Right, wrong. Looking to be offended. Miserable way to live. We get offended because our ego’s have a constant desire for us to win and be right.. We are right - someone else has to wrong We win - someone else has to loose ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Prov 19:11 Quick to judge. Quick to call a foul. Quick to be offended. Slow to overlook an offense. Overlook isn’t the same as pretending it didn’t happen. Conscious decision to “let it go.” Form of forgiveness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hebrew word means to “pass over.” 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Rom 12:3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul had received much grace... BECAUSE OF CHRIST’S GRACE TO ME... 1. I WILL NOT LABEL OTHERS. If we are not the labels others have given us (veil) then others are not the labels we have given them. Dont be the others... Lied, Cheated, Stole. Categorize a person over one incident. Hold a label for a lifetime because of a mistake in a moment! He’s a jerk. She’s a gossip. He’s a loser. She’s arrogant. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37 2. I’LL GIVE OTHERS THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Eph 4:2 NLT What is the other persons story... Might be having a bad day. Might be distracted. Misunderstanding. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not all about you: Bad mood isn’t about you Carless driving—about you. Thick skin and soft heart: Wonder what going through? Wounded: Hurt people hurt people. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. I’LL FORGIVE AS I’VE BEEN FORGIVEN. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Col 3:13 NLT Forgiveness used to be a process (sacrifice)—Forgive in real time. (Jesus) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- What about the serious hurts. Major offenses. Justified, right. They hurt me. Wronged someone I love. Justice. 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt 6:14-15 How—Hurt me, Abused me, Someone I love. Adultery is grounds for divorce. Grounds for forgivness. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32 Passover Set prisoner free—Realize the prisoner was you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gain the altitude over the big things Maintain that altitude imagine how small the minor issues will be Hurt people hurt people. Forgiven people forgive people.

MIRROR MIRROR 2 - Control Freak We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. Laying down who we think we are to become who God says we are. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Romans 12:3 (TPT) God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. LAY DOWN OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL. MY NEED FOR CONTROL Some area—like to be in control? Raise someone’s hand. Control freak home—>not work. Finances—>laid back children. Leanne relaxed about social calendar and need to see others - Packing the dishwasher and keeping the kitchen (618 Pharisaical laws) Me—I don’t care about kitchen or believe it or not the remote control, but the WIFI and internet connectivity... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Micromanage, Manipulate: Passive aggressive, silent treatment Circumstances: How kids look, house perfect, yard, schedule --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I KNOW BEST OR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE WORST Trust in the Lord with some of your heart and lean on your own understanding. In some of your ways, acknowledge him, and you will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6 CFV More that you try to control the more you’re afraid of losing control. More you are afraid—the more you try to control. Cycle of fear! FEAR = CONTROL GONE BAD Hard to see in mirror... Maybe this is what God wants.Abraham: this is my sister. Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. Genesis 16:1-4 Ishmael and Isaac What’s that got to do with me? Christian women looking for a christian man. Can’t find one so you settle for a man thinking you can change him. Finances—tithing Job—exaggerate on resume Can’t afford—borrow.--- IS IT WORTH MY CONCERN? OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT ALONE? 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dishes have to be done a certain way. 8-year old son combs his hair. How clean your kids keep your car. Not talking marriage and parenting and our relationships with God! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Embrace NO WIFI --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IS IT MINE TO CONTROL? OPEN TO OTHERS? DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUTTING DOWN CONTROL AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY... Tight Financially—take responsibility - budget Worried about kids future—take responsibility - spend time with them Marriage Struggling—take responsibility - get counsel Afraid never marry: —take responsibility - get involved, join some activities, bath Taking responsibility involves releasing some control EGO/Pride vs. accountability, counsel, opening up to other humans James 4:13-14 (CONTROL) Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. James 5:16 (RESPONSIBILITY) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IS IT FOR GOD ALONE? EXALT MY PLAN OR HIS PROMISE? Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Control what you can’t—you’re anxious. Give it to God—peace. Can you change my spouse? Can God change my spouse? Can you heal my loved one? Can God heal my loved one? Can you control my future? Can God control the future? The Lord will provide a sacrifice. Gen 22:13-14 (Abraham) went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. Closing: When you follow Jesus, you aren’t in control. But HE removes fear...

MIRROR MIRROR 1 - Feelings of Inadequacy We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. So how can we get to our true identity? By laying down who we think we are tobecome who God says we are. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Romans 12:3 (TPT) God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. MY FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY Altar is where you make a sacrifice—lay down something before God. Ego—what we believe (think) about ourselves. LAY DOWN OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parenting, Not successful, House, (Nails, hair, dinner) Smart or popular, Spiritually inadequate: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHY DO WE FEEL INADEQUATE? UNFAIR CRITICISM. Never amount to anything. Wish I never had you. Disappointment. Can’t do anything right. Wish you were more like, Isn’t your thing --------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNREALISTIC COMPLIMENTS. You’re incredible! Amazing! Best! Deep down you know you’re not. Pressure. How will I live up? Trophy... Fear of failure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNWISE COMPARISONS. Social Media: Highlight reel vs Behind-the-scenes, Followers LAY DOWN OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY 11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Judg 6:11-16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU 1. GOD’S VIEW OF YOU IS DIFFERENT THAN YOU THINK. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Judges 6:12 Someone told you that you couldn’t... you’re not... you won’t... For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.Eph 2:10 NLT You are not who others say you are! Rahab, David, Peter God’s view of you is different than you think. 2. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK. "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14 Never speak in church... Methodist church 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 Never have the words to say—good listener! Not an upfront person—behind the scenes servant! Don’t make 6 figures—home six nights a week! ————————————————————————————— 3. IT’S LESS ABOUT YOU THAN YOU THINK. 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Judg 6:16 When God calls you to do something, it’s less about your power, more about His presence. Feel inadequate—God is with you! Afraid to speak... Throw up in mouth... Step into it! Good enough mom, Can’t do it all, Not successful Not what others think about you, think about self—God says you are! For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 NLT

He Has a Name 5 HEALED RECAP What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship! Romans 12:1-2 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Call on the name of the lord = worship Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.” He is the only God that has the ability to BE and it IS. ___________________________________________ We can’t worship a God we don’t know! ___________________________________________ Yahweh Nissi and Rapha Yahweh Nissi means “The Lord Is My Banner” Under whose name and reputation I choose to live. Whose character and principles I will align my life. This is the name of God that proclaims His protection, leadership, and deliverance for His people. Just as God brought divine protection for the Israelites against their enemy, the Amalekites, He offers us protection and deliverance today from the enemies we may face in this life. While Joshua and the people fought against their enemy, Moses stood on top of a hill with God’s staff in his hands. The Bible tells the story that even though Moses grew weary, when his hands were lifted by those who supported him, the Israelites were winning, and when his hands lowered the Amalekites were winning. It was clear to all who gave them victory that day. Sometimes we spin our wheels trying to battle through our hard days in our own strength. We get weary, we get upset, we get angry, and we end up losing it. God’s reminder is to all Him to be our banner, our protector, that One that is able to lead us and give us supernatural victory against forces and obstacles that come against us. If we allow Him to be in control, He will do more on our behalf, than would ever be possible on our own. “Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.” Exodus 17:15 [1] HEALING - BRINGS DELIVERANCE FROM… LIVING UNDER HIS BANNER (NISSI), BY HIS PRINCIPALS BRINGS HEALING (RAPHA) Jehovah Rapha Jehovah Rapha means "Healer, the Lord who heals you” This name brings so much comfort and hope to many of us who have prayed for healing and deliverance from disease, illness, brokenness, or painful circumstances. It reminds us that God knows we’re in need of help, He understands we’re in need of healing, and He promises to redeem every broken place in our lives.  He never leaves us on our own to fend for ourselves. Without Him we couldn’t have hope for true freedom and healing, but just as God brought miraculous deliverance from all types diseases and difficulties throughout His word, He promises to act on behalf of His people still today. Sometimes the healing doesn’t come in the timetable or way that we would choose, and that can be hard. But as believers we still have this hope and assurance: we will live forever free in heaven, far away from the burdens we’ve carried here in this life. Jesus promises to make all things new, and God will wipe away every tear. He said, "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." - Exodus 15:26 [2] God is a global healer. His touch is thorough, deep and complete and leaves no part of us unaffected. Our worship of Him and obedience to His ways exposes us to a cause and effect on a Divine scale. A single act of obedience sets off a chain reaction of supernatural interventions in multiple areas of our lives. Proximity to God is what calls who he is into our moment. Call on the name of the lord = worship [1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ex+17:15 [2] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ex+15:26

He Has a Name 4 Pause RECAP What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship! Romans 12:1-2 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Call on the name of the lord = worship Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.” He is the only God that has the ability to BE and it IS. He is jealous of our worship because He wants relationship with us! El Elyon He is greater than any force of darkness in this world,  He is bigger than any problem we might come up against in this life.  El Roi He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness.  He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close.  He is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved. ___________________________________________ We can’t worship a God we don’t know! ___________________________________________ Psalms 46:10 (NIV and TPT) He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; (NIV) I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Surrender your anxiety![a [1]] Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. ___________________________________________ Being still is dependent on KNOWING god. Knowing God is dependent on being still ___________________________________________ Peace - John 17:3 Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God,[a [2]] and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent. ___________________________________________ The need for peace: Sometimes it’s hard to know who we can trust, we may feel unsafe or uncertain in circumstances surrounding us. We want to know that our loved ones are protected and covered in His care, especially when they’re away from us. Want to know God - Be Still ___________________________________________ Do you genuinely want to be still? ___________________________________________ Take Time To Press Pause It’s called the fear of missing out. And many of us suffer from it. We don’t want to miss the next viral video, meme or online trend.  We are afraid of getting behind on what our friends are all talking about. If we don’t constantly interact with what is happening online, we think we could cease to exist!  So we constantly move at a non-stop pace for fear of missing out on even one thing.  ___________________________________________ There’s a barrage of endless sounds and images that are constantly flashing before our eyes. There has never been a time in the history of the world when people have had more information shoved in their faces each day than right now.  ___________________________________________ Even when we decide to be lazy and “do nothing,” we still end up binge watching, downloading music, playing computer games and instant messaging our friends—all at the same time.  No wonder God often feels so far away in the midst of our busy nonstop lives.  ___________________________________________ Want to know God? Be still… This means we need to stop, wait, and pay attention. We need to drown out the noise around us and stop scrolling for a minute.  ___________________________________________ This verse in Psalms also says that God will be exalted among the nations. The word exalted means lifted above all else. If God is to be lifted up in our life then we need to turn down our other notifications so that we can start to notice God. ___________________________________________ What if one of the reasons we find it so difficult to start a conversation with God is that we don’t stay still long enough to see how much He is already present in our lives?  ___________________________________________ What if by constantly trying not to miss out on things that don’t really matter, we are actually missing out on some important things that really do?  ___________________________________________ El Shaddai  (Shelter) “God Almighty” – God’s name, El Shaddai, reminds us that He is all-powerful, He is the Mighty One, He is the 9-1-1 to run to. ___________________________________________ Psalm 91:1 When you sit enthroned[a [3]] under the shadow of Shaddai,[b [4]] you are hidden[c [5]] in the strength of God Most High. ___________________________________________ And we can find refuge and rest in His shadow. This is comforting in a world where we face many battles day by day. Sometimes it’s hard to know who we can trust, we may feel unsafe or uncertain in circumstances surrounding us.  ___________________________________________ He is the God who sees all, knows all, and has the power to go before us, walk with us daily, and cover us from behind. Dwelling in God’s presence gives us shelter and rest. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 [6] ___________________________________________ Yahweh Yireh “So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14 [7] “The Lord Will Provide” – God will provide for our needs. Every one of them, He is faithful, He is able, nothing is too difficult for Him. Sometimes His timing is different than ours, maybe we feel that He’s forgotten and hasn’t heard our prayers.  ___________________________________________ Sometimes we get our “needs” and “wants” mixed up, and other times He knows what is better for us than we even know ourselves.  ___________________________________________ We can trust Him, that His timing is perfect, and that all things are possible for Him even when we can’t see a way out.  ___________________________________________ Abraham found this to be true. Alone with his son Isaac in the wilderness, He knew and trusted that God would provide for a sacrifice in place of his only child. He believed in God’s character, and knew Him to be faithful, loving, and the God who will provide.  Often it seems, that God tests our hearts like He did Abraham’s that day. He wants to know what we’re willing to lay down before Him, before He opens the doors of provision and blessing. May we be found faithful. ___________________________________________ A great way to start a conversation with God today is to press pause and be still. After all, what is the point of moving so fast if you don’t actually know which direction you are supposed to be headed? ___________________________________________ [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=TPT#fen-TPT-654a [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6830a [3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370a [4] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370b [5] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370c [6] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+91:1 [7] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ge+22:14

He Has a Name 3 The God Who Sees RECAP What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship! Romans 12:1-2 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Call on the name of the lord = worship We can’t worship a God we don’t know! Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.” He is the only God that has the ability to BE and it IS. He is jealous of our worship because He wants relationship with us! Elohim and Father ___________________________________________ EL ELYON Means “God Most High” – El Elyon is a name used through the Old Testament revealing God is above all gods, that nothing in life is more sacred. The Lord Most High, the One who reigns supreme. He is greater than any force of darkness in this world, He is bigger than any problem we might come up against in this life. In daily life struggles and battles, we sometimes just need to be reminded that God is still in control. He never will lose His power and might, though the world feels dark many days, He has conquered death and sin. He is Mighty. He is Lord. He is exalted over all. “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” Psalm 7:17___________________________________________ EL ROI “The God Who Sees” – The kindness and care that this name holds as it points to God’s character. He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness.He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close. He is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved. When Hagar had run away to a desert place far from those she felt hurt and betrayed by, we see God surround her in so much grace and care. He didn’t leave her alone in her troubles. He will never leave us to fend for ourselves through difficult times.He is always close, that He sees us when we feel that no one else does, and that He cares. “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." Genesis 16:13___________________________________________ Matthew 6:8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him!

He Has a Name 2 Jealous RECAP What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship! Romans 12:1-2 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Call on the name of the lord = worship We can’t worship a God we don’t know! Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.” ___________________________________________ GOD (Elohim) Elohim means “God” – This name refers to God’s incredible power and might. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 He is the only God that has the ability to BE and it IS. ___________________________________________ Isaiah 12:4 New Living Translation (NLT) In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is! He is mighty at being who He is… ___________________________________________ He is the One and only God. He is Supreme, the true God in a world that promotes many false gods and religions. He is the one on whom we can fully rely, He is Sovereign yet gives us free will. ___________________________________________ FREE WILL THROUGH BEING MADE IN HIS IMAGE He has placed in us what Jesus calls out of us - Purpose “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 PURPOSE We surrender back to Him what He has already given us - Worship “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 WORSHIP ___________________________________________ OUR PURPOSE IS TO WORSHIP. One God - It is humans who create other Gods. As soon as we diversify our worship attention we loose purpose. (Shame) EG. Golden Calf Worship is the expression of what God is. Being and living out the IAM __________________________________________ He wants us to have purpose: You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Ex 34:14 Jealous, קַנָּ֣א (qan·nā) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's Hebrew 7067: 1) jealous (only of God) ___________________________________________ He is the one we can completely trust. He is the Mighty One over all of nature, this world, and the heavens above, our creative God who has worked wonders by His hands. God reminds that He is Elohim every single day. His amazing power is at work in every sunrise, every sunset, in the way He holds the stars in the sky, and carries His people through difficult times. You can be assured, you are held by an Almighty God, you never have to fear, God’s hands are strong and secure. God’s name to you is the depth of who He is in the moment! ___________________________________________ ONE DAD Abba means “Daddy, Father” – Abba is the most intimate form of God’s name, showing us His character as our loving daddy. He is the One who can be fully trusted, the One we can lean on, the One who cares about all that concerns us. Just as a godly father’s presence in our daily lives is one of protection, security, and unconditional love, the constant presence of our heavenly Father is what gives us the strength and covering we need for this life’s journey. This is one of my favorite names of God because in it He conveys His heart for each of us, as His children. He gives us the privilege of being called his own sons and daughters. ___________________________________ Psalm 116:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT) 16 O Lord, I am your servant;
    yes, I am your servant, born into your household;
    you have freed me from my chains. 17 I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving
    and call on the name of the Lord BORN INTO A DIFFERENT FAMILY He provides the way for us to call out to Him and the assurance, beyond a doubt, that He hears and will answer. In our most difficult to painful times in life, we can crawl up into the lap of our heavenly Father, and know that He is for us, and His arms will hold us secure. ___________________________________ “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6 ___________________________________ By leaning into Him for what He is in us, we will become what He wants us to be! ___________________________________ Psalm 116:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT) Psalm 116 1 I love the Lord because he hears my voice
    and my prayer for mercy. 2 Because he bends down to listen,
    I will pray as long as I have breath! 3 Death wrapped its ropes around me;
    the terrors of the grave[a] overtook me.
    I saw only trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Please, Lord, save me!” 5 How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
    So merciful, this God of ours! ___________________________________

He Has A Name “BE” What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship! Romans 12:1-2 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. We can’t worship a God we don’t know! Who is He? - Not what He is called - it is who He is! The character attached to his name. The longer you live the greater the reputation God has lived forever ————————————————————— Most famous moment in Scripture where God reveals what we should call him: ————————————————————— Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. ————————————————————— I am - Hebrew word Ha’y’ah (הָיָה) The Hebrew lettering to represent this word looks like a lower case version of the Hebrew tetragrammaton  () which represents YAHWEH. Ha’y’ah - I Am - be Yahweh - The Great I Am - Be ————————————————————— Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.” ————————————————————— It is in fact not what we should call Him it is in fact what we should call upon? ————————————————————— Translated To Lord Exodus 3:15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ BE - in that moment God showed Moses that He had always BEEN. He was the very existence of all things. His presence! ————————————————————— He would BE what was needed for the release of His power so that the accomplishment would be assured. ————————————————————— It was not a name it was a personal revelation in every situation! So when the bible translators came they found this word Ha’ Ya’h in so many different situations referring to anything from power to love to mercy to wisdom to forgiveness, they could not figure out the word, the name so they put in a title LORD, GOD and hoped that the reader would find personal revelation of His name! They were reading the revelation of God’s being in situations of some of the closest people to God in scripture God of Abraham... People knew of him because they knew who worshipped him ————————————————————— Jeremiah 11:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV) 3 and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant 4 which I commanded your fathers in the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and do according to all that I command you (worship); so shall you be (wih·yî·ṯem - revelation - eyes will be opened) My people, and I will be (ha’ya’h) your God,’ ————————————————————— God’s name to you is the depth of who He is in the moment! ————————————————————— What HE IS What HE is Will BE Genesis 1:3-8 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. 6 Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” 7 And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. 8 God called the space “sky.” ————————————————————— WISDOM - James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. He is Wisdom ————————————————————— BE FORGIVEN Its a state not a result of religious activity Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. ————————————————————— HE IS LOVE BE BRAVE Is. 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying t

PROMISES MADE 6 SAYS WHO? The names Jesus calls us define the purpose He has for us. Disciple - Promise Seeker Salt and Light - Find a need and fill it - Find a hurt and heal it Overcomer - You have every supernatural ability to live life with an overcoming attitude Masterpiece - With a piece of the master in you, You can like yourself! ______________________________________ WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? AMBASSADORS WHEN YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU’LL KNOW WHAT TO DO. Not that important…I’m just a regular Christian… Just stay-at-home mom, student, entry-level bank teller… Nothing regular about you…Xian—same spirit… Ambassador, Masterpiece, Overcomer, Salt and Light, Disciple, a Promise seeker ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Therefore, if anyoneis in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 19b …And (God) has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:17, 19b-21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR SENT BY GOD FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent as a representative from one country to another. If you are a Christian, you are Christ’s ambassador! I am an ambassador—sent by God—from heaven to earth. AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR YOU WERE NOT ELECTED BY PEOPLE BUT CHOSEN AND APPOINTED BY GOD! You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last… 19 As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. John 15:16, 19 Not good enough, not talented enough, not ready…Chosen! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles… Acts 9:15 You are God’s chosen instrument! Your office! Hallways of your high-school -------------------------------- Chosen for this moment… Confront a friend about lying… Life Group, Kids Church Share your faith w/ur boss, broken down car -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOU NEVER REPRESENT YOURSELF. YOU ALWAYS REPRESENT GOD. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38 Craig—everything you do… represent Jesus I am not my own… bought with a price! I am crucified with Christ… Put down - die to my identity - living sacrifice - pick up his identity because His names are my names. His promises my promises, his purpose my purpose. ----------------------------- I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. 2 Cor 10:8 NLT ----------------------------- This ups our importance - Greater things. Demons, Sickness, Death We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:20-21 A little faith will get you into heaven. A lot of faith will help bring heaven to earth. When someone attacks me—they attack my government… God is my defender. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have the power to act on behalf of the Kingdom of God. Enjoys the benefits of the kingdom (bills are paid). Deal diplomatically with all men: treats with gentleness and respect. Remains loyal even if misunderstood. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not a tourist… Enjoy looking around. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- …Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil 3:19-20 Earth is not your home! Different Live in this world, but not of this world. I am an ambassador—sent by God—from heaven to earth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROMISES MADE 5 MASTERPIECE Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise ______________________________________________________ We respond to what he has called us! He calls us Disciples - we respond by seeking the promises He calls us Salt and Light - we find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it! He called us Overcomers - We live life with an overcoming attitude and fight back with supernatural weapons ______________________________________________________ Personal story - overcompensated for feelings of inadequacy and incompetency. Such potential… maybe one day you could be something. Never shone at anything ______________________________________________________ I have to differentiate between life before Jesus and Life after Jesus. Even if those around me had said I was brilliant - it was not until I believed what Jesus called me that I started to shine! Its because of what He promised I was to him… ______________________________________________________ What He calls me gives me purpose! Purpose—if you don’t know the purpose of a thing—abuse thing. Want to know the purpose—don’t ask the thing—creator of the thing. ______________________________________________________ WITHOUT CHRIST, THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU. Sinful, spiritually dead, object of God’s wrath Ephesians 2:1, 3b-5 NLT Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins… 3b By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) ______________________________________________________ WITH CHRIST, YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE. Ephesians 2:8-10 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. We are not saved by good works but for good works. God’s masterpiece… God don’t make no junk. I am—God’s masterpiece—made in Christ Jesus To do what God created me to do! ______________________________________________________ AS GOD’S MASTERPIECE YOU ARE CREATED FOR THE MASTER’S PURPOSE. PSALMS 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Ps 139:13-16 Masterpiece for the master’s purpose! This moment in history—I am here to glorify God ______________________________________________________ YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO DO EVERYTHING GOD WANTS YOU TO DO. 2 PETER 1:3 (God’s) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Moses… not a good speaker. I can not (can), I’m not (am), Don’t have (do have) Prettier, More hair, better singer, taller Can’t sing, Not artistic, Cant work with my hands. Wasn’t created to sing, paint, or fix toilet! THOSE ARE THINGS TO DO - WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO A PURPOSE ______________________________________________________ GOD USES EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE TO BRING ABOUT HIS PURPOSES. ROMANS 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What you meant for evil… God used for good. Before Jesus I was a mess ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR YOURSELF LET GOD REMAKE YOU. JEREMIAH 18:3-4 NCV So I went down to the potter's house and saw him working at the potter's wheel. 4 He was using his hands to make a pot from clay, but something went wrong with it. So the potter used that clay to make another pot the way he wanted it to be. MASTERPIECE poiema (poy'-ay-mah); a beautiful poem, perfect workmanship, a tapestry. Ever looked at the backside of the tapestry? 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! EPHESIANS 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. God’s not finished with me yet… …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isa 64:8-9 WHAT OTHERS CALL US GIVE US A STATUS WHAT GOD CALLS US GIVES US PURPOSE Greatest tragedy is life without purpose. Life without purpose is time without meaning. When you want to know the purpose of a thing, don’t ask the thing—ask the one who created the thing.

JOIN US The Power of An Invitation Psalms 34:3 TPT Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together. Let’s make him famous! Let’s make his name glorious to all. _____________________________________________ There is something about an invitation... An invitation makes us feel special An invitation makes us feel wanted and accepted ________________________________________________ How many big changes can you think of that have started with a simple invitation. ________________________________________________ Personal Story —> Invited to Fathers group —> Invited to help at the church —> Invited to LifeGroup —> Invited to a Job Interview —> Invited by my niece to her wedding ________________________________________________ Maybe your life changed when… —> You were invited to the prom or on a date —> Your boss invited you out to lunch —> Your friend invited you for coffee —> A family invited your family to dinner One of the biggest most revolutionary movements of all time started with a few invitations… ________________________________________________ The biggest invitations of all: Isaiah 1:18-19 (Sinners) “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; Isaiah 55:1-3 (Destitute) "Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat..." Matthew 11:28-30 (Weary) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden…" Revelation 22:17 (Thirsty) "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come…" ________________________________________________ Jesus invites his disciples “Join me” They responded individually and quickly became a collective —. The church! ________________________________________________ Jesus disciples were not in a good place. Been passed over by the Rabbi’s. Dejected, rejected and overlooked. Invitations uplift the dejected, accept the rejected and notice the overlooked. ________________________________________________ Matthew 4:18-22 (TPT) Jesus Calls His Disciples 18 As he was walking by the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus noticed two fishermen who were brothers. One was nicknamed Keefa (later called Peter), and the other was Andrew, his brother. Watching as they were casting their nets into the water, 19 Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.”[b] 20 Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus. ________________________________________________ You were invited by Jesus so that you could extend the invitation to others. ________________________________________________ Spiraled into the biggest the world has ever seen. The biggest agent of positive change. The only organization that genuinely holds the hope of the world in its grasp! ________________________________________________ John 1:40-42 Andrew inviters Peter (later invites 3000) John 1:43-46 Phillip invites Nathaniel John 4:28-30 The samaritan women invites her whole village Luke 5:27-29 Matthew invites all to feast with Jesus Acts 10:24,33 Cornelius who invites his friends and family ________________________________________________ And we could keep going until we get to your name. Someone invited you! ________________________________________________ From Andrew and Peter - to 2.2 billion believers world wide ________________________________________________ Acts 2:36-41 The Passion Translation (TPT) The Invitation 36 “Now everyone in Israel[a] can know for certain[b] that Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one God has made[c] both Lord[d] and the Messiah.” The Crowd Responds to Peter’s Words 37 When they heard this they were crushed and realized what they had done to Jesus.[e] Deeply moved, they said to Peter and the other apostles, “What do we need to do, brothers?”[f] 38 Peter replied, “Repent and return to God,[g] and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One,[h] to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is for you[i] and your families, for those yet to be born[j] and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 Peter preached to them and warned them with these words: “Be rescued from the wayward and perverse culture of this world!”[k] 41 Those who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the church.[l] ________________________________________________ Someone you know needs to feel a part. They need to hear the words “Join Us” They need to hear the promises of God They need to know they are included - they are on the guest list ________________________________________________ But how will they know? Romans 10:14 (TPT) 14 But how can people call on him for help if they’ve not yet believed? And how can they believe in one they’ve not yet heard of? And how can they hear the message of life if there is no one there to proclaim it? ________________________________________________ The Holy Spirit will get them to the party, but you have to invite them. ________________________________________________ Step into the relationship Be Jesus until they get to know him personally Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it! ________________________________________________

PROMISES MADE 4 OVERCOME Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise ______________________________________________________ We respond to what he has called us! He calls us disciples - we respond by seeking the promises He calls us Salt and Light - we find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it! He called us to become something (Promise) Seek out what it is we would want to become - what His promise transforms us into. 3. OVERCOMERS ______________________________________________________ Careful about what I schedule: totally overbooked or overwhelmed Preach 5 different messages - external broadcasts, church consults Life seems to wash over us! Become victims to our own lives. Life happens! ______________________________________________________ Weight problem Addiction Trapped in a job Depression Inadequacy Small things ______________________________________________________ WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? WITH CHRIST, YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER. 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?... 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 (Christ) who loved us. Rom 8:31-32, 35, 37 Pw hupernikao (hoop-er-nik-ah'-o); to vanquish beyond recognition, gain a decisive victory, exceedingly more than a conqueror. Rocky Balboa: Gideon, Red Sea, Crush the opponent In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ______________________________________________________ Rev 12: I am… an overcomer… by the blood of the lamb Because of Jesus I am an overcomer! ______________________________________________________ Revelation 12:11 The Passion Translation (TPT)They conquered him completely
    through the blood of the Lamb
    and the powerful word of his testimony.[a]
They triumphed because they did not love and cling
    to their own lives, even when faced with death. ______________________________________________________ David and Goliath! AS AN OVERCOMER: 1. FIGHT WITH CONQUERING ATTITUDES! Faith-filled attitudes lead to faith-filled actions! Godly beliefs lead to godly behavior! You are not just a victim of your circumstances, nothing u can do to change it. ______________________________________________________ Always going to: worry, overweight, depressed, dead end job. Can’t seem to control my anger, stop lusting, forgive others/self. ______________________________________________________ Victim thinking… Not a victim—Through Christ—Victor! ______________________________________________________ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Can’t do it? —I can do all things! Impossible? —all things are possible with God! Don’t have enough faith? —faith of a mustard seed! ______________________________________________________ I will not let what others said to me, did to me, or believe about me to stop me! In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Ps 18:29 NLT ______________________________________________________ 2. FIGHT WITH SUPERNATURAL WEAPONS! For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Cor 10:3-5 Helmet, Breastplate, Shield, Belt, Shoes, Sword Fight like a man—now I fight like a man of God! ______________________________________________________ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4:7-9 ______________________________________________________ Because you have been called by Jesus - disciple; a promise seeker, You can overcome: Betrayal; addictions; need 2 control or people please; worry; cancer; marriage--affair Overcome negative thinking! Fear failure, Caring what people think! ______________________________________________________ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome (the evil ones), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ______________________________________________________ “More than conquerors... It was not a wish. It was a fact. We knew it, we experienced it minute by minute–poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. Not “we shall be.” We are! Life took place on two different levels… One, the observable, external life, grew every day more horrible. The other, the life we lived with God, grew daily better, truth upon truth, glory upon glory.” Corrie Ten Boom ______________________________________________________ …for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 ______________________________________________________ Because of what He has called us we can: nikao (nik-ah'-o); subdue, conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

PROMISES MADE 3 INFLUENCE Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise Disciple - Promise Seeker ______________________________________________________ Promises we can base our year on: 1. He want us - He called us - wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t want us… (DISCIPLES - WHEN JESUS CALLS) . He called us to become something (Promise) Seek out what it is we would want to become - what His promise transforms us into. 2. SALT AND LIGHT ______________________________________________________ CALLED TO CHANGE THE WORLD - ONE CONTACT AT A TIME It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31b-32 Know who you are—know what to do! We know we are called to follow the promise. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. SALT 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matt 5:13 Whether you are a really good person— or you are a really bad person you can be changed changed by really good God! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT DOES SALT DO? SALT PRESERVES. (Eternal life) SALT PURIFIES. (Impure world—agent of purification) SALT CREATES THIRST. (I want what you have) SALT MELTS. (Heart is hard—melt it with the love of Jesus) SALT HEALS. (Hurt by people/religion—healed by Jesus) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIGHT 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 World needs salt—impure… Light—dark! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am—salt of the earth—light of the world. I am a Christ empowered influencer. My life will make a difference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MAKING A DIFFERENCE LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED Stripped and beaten—severely flogged Dungeon & fastened feet in stocks… legs spread to induce cramping ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 Many would have done—God—you aren’t fair! Knew who they were. Hey—I’m going to shine—they just did! They let it… Sun—Moon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This little light of mine—I’m going to let it shine Hide it under a bushel “no”—I’m going to let it shine. Don’t let Satan blow it out—I’m going to let it shine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 reasons: HIDE IT (ASHAMED) SATAN STEALS IT - BY MAKING US ASHAMED OF IT No reason to ever be ashamed of Jesus! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARE IS NOT KNOWLEDGE 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" Acts 16:26-28 Paul cared…”Don’t know enough!” People don’t care how much you know. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR SALT AND LIGHT LIVING CHANGES LIVES. 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Acts 16:29-31 I want what you have! You are salt & light! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family. Acts 16:32-34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROMISES MADE 2 WHEN JESUS CALLS Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise Illustration of 3 million dollar gift _____________________________________________________________ The journey to all of God’s promises starts in understanding that we will always fail trying to do whats right (obedience to the law) Lose bible reading streak Forget to pray before a meal Skip church to go to the game _____________________________________________________________ If it's following the letter of a law - you will fail. Seek out his promises and in so doing follow the promise maker. _____________________________________________________________ When A law becomes THE law = religion When A promise becomes THE promise = hope _____________________________________________________________ The primary promise of God = Jesus John 3:16 (TPT) For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift.[k [1]] So now everyone who believes in him[l [2]]will never perish but exerience everlasting life. 17 “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it! In the OT when people lost sight of the PROMISE they broke the commandments. In NT when the got to see the promise in the new commandment (LOVE) they wanted to follow the promise by obeying the new commandment (DISCIPLES) _____________________________________________________________ JESUS CAME TO RESCUE US FROM THE CONDEMNATION WE PLACE OURSELVES UNDER Promise is a destination… We agree to the destination before we plot the course… Jesus is the promise and our destination To follow the promise = following Jesus Followers of Jesus called Christians _____________________________________________________________ What do you think hear the word, “Christian?” Depends on who you ask. Transformed by Christ (from law to promise) Out of touch and idiot. (law) Loving, Forgiving, Generous, Benevolent (promise) Judgmental, narrow-minded, legalistic (law) Known for their love, compassion, faithfulness. (promise) Known for what they’re against—each other (law) _____________________________________________________________ Jesus never asked anyone to be a Christian—Disciple As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his taChrist collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matt 9:9 NLT mathetes (math-ay-tes'); a learner, pupil, disciple, follower. Was not about a believe structure or a methodology Jesus asked us to live how he lived, love how he loved, do what he did! _____________________________________________________________ YOU ARE A DISCIPLE—FOLLOWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! I am Christ’s disciple… I belong to him. My life is not my own. I am crucified with Christ… I am Christ’s disciple. You are a promise seeker! As a follower of the promises you walk as a someone who is assured of that promise… _____________________________________________________________ 1. YOU FIND A NEED AND MEET IT. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'… Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:33-35, 37b You are my disciple—go do same thing. Find need—meet it! _____________________________________________________________ Jesus wasn’t always casting out demons and raising dead! Washes feet—I’ll do it! Hungry people—I’ll feed them. Children are lonely—I’ll play with them. _____________________________________________________________ When you meet a need—you are showing off the promise of Christ! And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matt 10:42 _____________________________________________________________ 2. FIND A HURT AND HEAL IT. Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. Matt 9:35-36 MSG Woman caught in adultery—stone her… Defends her—Where are those who condemn you? Go your way. Peter—denied… Really love me… Feed my sheep! Sinful woman: worships him—what she did will be told for yrs to come. Your trajectory changes when you start the journey towards the promise You can help someone else see that promise too and change their trajectory. How can you heal? Listen. Time. Cry. Pray. Accept someone. Do life. _____________________________________________________________ By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. YOU DO A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS THAT JESUS ASKS YOU TO DO THAT WON’T FIT NEATLY INTO A POINT ON A PAGE. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 Follow him… ride of your life! RADICALLY LIVE THE PROMISE Disciples left everything… Poor widow gave everything she had… Zachaeus—give back 4 times _____________________________________________________________ Wanted to live how he lived, love how he loved, do what he did. _____________________________________________________________ Hour a day in prayer, Serve 20 hours a week at the church… Visit people in prisons…Lead a life group, serve in Kids, Not just tithe—double tithe, Mow neighbor’s yard, Mentor inner city kids. _____________________________________________________________ Living for Jesus won’t make sense to other people. But you are not living for other people—you are living for Christ. You are His disciple! _____________________________________________________________ Find a need and meet it—find a hurt and heal it—do something with the promise! “Stop short only of sin to seek out those who have lost their passion for the promise!” _____________________________________________________________ Wealthy man visited impoverished city: young missionary girl cleaning sores of a sick, dirty, elderly man who’d been lying in the gutter. Said to nurse, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” Neither would I… I’d do it for Jesus I’d do it for Jesus—I’m his disciple. And He is my promise!_____________________________________________________________ [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6214k [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6214l

PROMISES MADE Made In His Image Determination NOT Depression Discipline NOT Disobedience Direction NOT Dejection Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; - Genesis 1:26a God is DNA has been wired into you. You have been made in the image of God you have been made with God as your source. As a result every element of your life, every promise that you could make, every desire that you have, every dream that ups imagine IS God’s. Better Health Ecclesiastes 3:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB) God Set Eternity in the Heart of Man 11 He has made everything [a [1]]appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, [b [2]]yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. Better Relationships John Donne wrote a poem he entitled, “No Man is an Island.” It simply states the principle that man has a deep desire to live relationally. It is far deeper than just an animalistic instinct to find a mate or move with the pack. We gain deep emotional fulfillment from being relational. God is relational too. In fact, He describes His relational attributes before He created man. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; - Genesis 1:26a (emphasis mine) And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. - Genesis 2:18 Learn More We have an intelligence that far surpasses other living creatures. Where does this intelligence come from? God is intelligence. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1 (emphasis mine) PROMISE TO ACTIVATION GAP Gap breeds mistrust Eden world where the promise and the activation was immediate The longer we take to link the desire of the heart to the Word of God - the more begin to mistrust ourselves and God. PLANS Making Plans is not wrong - Made in Gods Image - He knows the plan. Wait for the blessing but struggle to take the first step OBEDIENCE Obedience is the mechanism we have of activating the promise of God. Our obedience to His ways exposes us to a cause and effect on a Divine scale. A single act of obedience sets off a chain reaction of supernatural interventions in multiple areas of our lives. Obedience to the principles of God connects who we were designed to be to the One who created us. Obedient not to the law, but to how you were made! In His Image Obedience Makes Promises Happen! 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. [1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A11&version=NASB#fen-NASB-17371a [2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A11&version=NASB#fen-NASB-17371b

Our Proper Response To Christmas - 4 The Vision To Go Summary RESPONSE 1: We break strongholds - we don’t have to think like the world. RESPONSE 2: We surrender to the promises of God - living sacrifices (ZOSAN) RESPONSE 3: We stand in faith not pride. ______________________________________________ Romans 12:4-8 In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others. 6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement,[b] then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion,[c] then flourish in your cheerful[d] display of compassion. ______________________________________________ You are gifted…Uniquely gifted. JAMES 1:2-4 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [a]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [b]endurance. 4 And let [c]endurance have its perfect [d]result, so that you may be [e]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ROMANS 12:2 2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,[a] but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. ______________________________________________ God’s Vision for my Life is perfect and complete, lacking nothing… It’s a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. ______________________________________________ Why do I feel like the vision for me life is more various trials? Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 KJV ______________________________________________ I have lost track of His vision for my life… I do not believe I have something unique to offer ______________________________________________ EVERYONE ENDS UP SOMEWHERE. FEW PEOPLE END UP SOMEWHERE ON PURPOSE. ______________________________________________ vision: chazown: (khaw-zone’) a dream, revelation, or vision. ______________________________________________ FOUR PHASES OF CHAZOWN And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me (living sacrifice) , if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:22-24 Paul’s vision: Testifying to the gospel of God’s grace ______________________________________________ SPIRIT’S PROMPTING. And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem…Acts 20:22a compelled: deo—compelled, bound, wrapped up with cords. Spirit: pneuma—Spirit, current of air, breeze of the Spirit. ______________________________________________ KNOWN UNKNOWN. I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. Acts 20:22b (faith) I will do today what I can to enable me to do tomorrow what I can’t do today. ______________________________________________ PREDICTABLE RESISTANCE. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Acts 20:23 Your flesh will tell you it's too difficult and it will be too difficult. Your mind will recall the put downs and let downs and your life will go down. But when the Holy Spirit tells you that you will face difficulties, He empowers you with unique gifts to conquer and not be conquered. ______________________________________________ UNCOMMON CLARITY. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus Christ has given me– the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 ______________________________________________ UNIQUE REALIZATION Gifts are given - “We all have it in us…” But your uniques history, brings a flavor to the abilities that make those God given gifts very unique… ______________________________________________ 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,[a] and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.[b] 10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power. ______________________________________________ Response 4: I have a unique contribution to make in telling of the gift of Jesus Christ “Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.” Sir Francis Drake ______________________________________________

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies?

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies?

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies?

Practical solutions to some of life's most challenging situations

Practical solutions to some of life's most challenging situations

Practical solutions to some of life's most challenging situations

Practical solutions to some of life's most challenging situations

Solutions to some of life's most challenging questions

Solutions to some of life's most challenging questions

Practical solutions to some of life's most challenging situations.

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12 [1], NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncrALuFVdII&t=372s

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

Watch This Message Here [1] Get The Message Notes Here [2] Being a Christian is loving the person in front of you the way Jesus first loved the soul inside of you. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PARR8owGlA8 [2] https://online.victorylife.media/message-notes/how-to-neighbour/

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural.

The question of how to have a blessed life is huge… Everybody wants to know how to have a blessed life. Even people who don’t believe in Jesus are looking for a way of life that maximizes benefit… Everybody wants to know how to have a blessed life…