CrossPoint Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
CrossPoint Church
Since Christmas we have been looking at WHO GOD IS,But how do we relate to HIm and how do our daily choices Bring Him Glory?How are we Changing through Christ in order to Live for the Glory of God?This is where we will be focusing from now through MayAnd to do so we are going to look at the book of Philippians.Who is He bringing you to to Share the Good News?FriendsRelativesAquaintancesNeighborsCo-WorkersEVERYONE!Do you want your LIFE to BRING GLORY TO GOD?KEEP CHRIST AT THE CENTER!What in your life is out of sync with calling Jesus your Savior and Lord?How can you keep Christ at the center of your life?
GOD IS I AM and He will never change. How will you grow to know the unchanging God more deeply and follow him more completely?
El Shaddai - God AlmightyThe All-Sufficient OneGenesis 17:1-2When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD (YHWH) appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly."
And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.1 Chronicles 29:10-13God Most High is LORD God AlmightyLORD = YHWHGod = Elohim, the self-existent oneAlmighty = omnipotentSovereign - ruler over allWhat place does God have in your life?
Growing us as Christians results in our being changed to resemble our Heavenly Father:
We Look Like our Dad; We Live Like our Dad: We Love Like our Dad
Passage: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul writes in prison about the mystery of the Gospel, and how it was revealed to him by God.
Christ didn't leave us in a state of brokenness but brings us into new life with him.
Ephesians 2:11-22
A prayer to know God, a prayer to know hope of our calling, the riches of the saints, the power of Christ resurrected and exalted.
Hebrews 10: 24-25This week we are given a Third Exhortation in regard to our faith, but this one is not merely about "God and Me" its about "God and WE".
Great things of faith, Some great achievements enabled by faith, Some terrible afflictions endured by faith, All things experienced for the Glory of God. - Hebrews 11:32-39
Faith that is built on he person, power and character of God. Hebrews 11: 29-31 - Nothing Can Stop God's Plan.
True faith gives us the strength to make choices that bring glory to God, regardless of the consequences. Mike looks at Moses and the life he lived to bring glory to God.
Guest speaker Haddon Anderson talks through Genesis 24. God kept his promise through the love between Isaac and Rebekah.
By Faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive an inheritance. By faith Sarah herself received the power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Abraham and Sarah - Hebrews 11:8-12, Genesis 12-13; 15-18; 20-21
We described faith as Responding actively and appropriately to God, His Story and the Gospel offered to us. It was by Faith that Enoch was translated (taken to be with God).It was by Faith that he walked with God (was well pleasing to God).Our faith will result in our Salvation - where we end up when our time on this earth is over.Our faith does result in our Transformation - how we live our lives in the here and now.
HEBREWS 11:1Faith is..the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things hot seen. Faith - and expressing our faith - is rooted and established in something outside of ourselves. It grows stronger as it is exercised and practiced. The difference between being RELIGIOUSLY faithful and RELATIONALLY faithful.
God is glorified through His work through you.* How can you be intentional about allowing God to work through you to bless and serve others? * What steps can you take to grow in maturity and become more effective in pointing others to safety?
We can walk with confident assurance as we stand firm in our faith and God will be glorified
John 15:9-10Remain in me and I in youBut HOW do we stand firm in the God’s Love?When we keep ourselves in the love of God we can walk confidently through the dangers of this present reality. There is nothing to fear here and now because we know the end of the story. We have a future and a hope.
Walking with confident assurance as we wait for God to finish His plan2 Peter 3:1-13* God is God and we are not! * We are time bound. Created to exist within the turning of the planet and the circling of the sun. * Limited by seconds, hours, days, months and years. * God is boundless - not limited by the confines of time. * God’s timing is perfect because God is perfect and sees the whole picture.
The root cause of Spiritual Erosion - the Rejection of Spiritual Authority* Watch for hidden signs of the rejection of God’s authority * Guard your heart from being drawn by lustful passion * Return to the safety of solid footing
Jesus' entrance on Palm Sunday produced instead a Crisis of Faith for the people… God’s working today often produces a crisis of faith for us as He doesn’t provide what we want to see.
What are you wanting to see God do in your current reality that is leading you into a crisis of Faith?What step can you take today to believe in Jesus and trust the Father?
To walk in confident assurance you need to walk in the light and watch your step.1. The goal of our journey is to know Christ and who you are in Him - Identity in Christ 2. The walk is in the light of the eternal and not on the path of the temporal 3. We need to follow guides on this journey only as far as they follow Christ
- The Power of the Son - the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:16)
- The Power of the Father - The Glory and Honor of the Father (2 Peter 1:17-18)
- The Power of the Spirit through the proclamation of the Word of God (2 Peter 1:19-21)
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power the enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21
We can only grow in Christlikeness and reflect or resonate the Character of God as we deepen into the Gospel.
- Clothing Ourselves to Serve in Humility
- Clothe yourselves, all of you with humility toward one another.
- All of US - Be Humble
- Our humility toward others is an expression of our humility toward God.
Luke 4:1-14And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the jordan and was let by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The designation 40 is used many times in scripture (40 days of rain, 40 days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai, 40 years wandering of Israel, 40 days of Goliath’s taunting, 40 days Elijah was in the wilderness). He fasted 40 days - he was at a place of vulnerability and weakness. Satan is real - a created being; a rebellious/fallen angel. While an adversary (fighting against God and those who follow God), Satan is limited. He is not omniscient, nor is he omnipotent, nor is he omnipresent. Those qualities are limited to God alone. The verb, “to be tempted” describes a continuous action - relentless.As we look further into this passage on the Tempation of Jesus we find 3 Crucial areas of temptation:1. The Self Gratification of our Physical needs and desires 2. The Self Exaltation through Pride 3. The Self Protection by use of Power and Control
And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”...And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.* Are you taking Jesus' presence for granted? * Does Jesus Amaze and Astonish you? * Are you allowing Jesus to bring you to the Father? * Are you allowing the Father to take first place in your life?
What are you looking for?
Where will your search take you?
I would pose to you today that our search take us to the cradle of Christ from where we look on to find the cross of Christ.
What we are seeking is not merely power, safety or security… what we are truly in need of is Salvation!
- Through Jesus we see Salvation from Sin providing us with permanent Purification
- Through Jesus we see God's Glory Revealed giving us Progressive Peace
- Through Jesus we see redemption accomplishedgiving us purpose in proclamation
Jesus takes the pieces of our broken lives, fits them together, reconnecting them through the bonding agent of his shed blood resulting in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of artwork which glorifies the Father as it exudes His Grace expressed to us.
A Life Transformed by Grace is… Ephesians 2:1-10 1. Undeserving (vss. 1-3) 2. Miraculous (vss. 4-5) 3. Immeasurable (vss. 6-7) 4. A Gift (vss. 8-9) 5. A Masterpiece (vs. 10)
1 Chronicle 28-29 Authentic and acceptable worship will cost you everything. Take a daily inventory of the condition of your heart in relationship to God's place in your life. Grow daily to know God deeply and submit your choices and path to Him.
John 10 - Jesus the gatekeeper, the gate, the shepherd
The only way to the Father - into the presence of the Holiness of the One True God - is through Jesus.
But how is this possible?
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Today, we praise the Lord because He is our protector!
WE FIND A PURPOSE TO FULFILL THROUGH WORSHIP How can you adjust your perspective to find your purpose in bringing glory to God?
WE HAVE A PLACE TO SERVE TO BRING GOD GLORY Where has God prepared and called you to serve Him in the temple of His Church?
WE HAVE AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW IN JESUS Is Jesus in His proper place in your life? Is there anything you are holding back that you need to release to God?
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. "
- What changes is God making in you to build a living temple of worship?
- How are you being united with others to be a living temple of worship?
- Are we known as a living temple where people come to know God?
GOD’S CHOICES ARE IDEAL What He chooses to use is always exactly what is needed
Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and the followed him were shouting, “Hosanna, to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:8-9
GOD’S TIMING IS PRECISE He does exactly what is needed at exactly the right moment.
What about you? * What can you offer to Him for His use? * What can you do to declare Him King?
1 Chronicles 21:1-17
- Sin demands personal responsibility – Admit it
- Sin carries consequences -Address It
- Sin requires a Personal Savior – Accept it
Perspective is of great importance. Things around us in this fallen world can be confusing - things are NOT ok. We need to lift up our eyes to the one who a.lways fulfills His promises and will accomplish His Plan.
When the challenge before you seems too great to endure - remember that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. When the world we live in seems out of control - remember God has a redemptive plan that He will accomplish.
Who in your life today needs to know and trust in the promises and plan God has for their redemption?
1 Chronicles 17:16-27 How does one enter into the presence of the Holy God?
- Be honest with God about your inadequacy
- Look for God’s Greatness throughout your day
- Submit to God by trusting in His Sovereignty
1 Chronicles 17:1-15; 2 Samuel 7:1-29
It is not a Temple, or a building on a corner with a cross on the roof. The House where God dwells is in His people - personally and Corporately.
Ephesians 2:22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit
1 Chronicles 13:1-16:43
The Ark of the Covenant must have been amazing to see! But where is the presence of God today? What is it like for us to live in the presence of God’s Holiness?
We no longer live under the Old Covenant, but we have a new one. We find some clarity on this within the pages of the book of Hebrews.
The Old Covenant - God’s promises to His people (the nation of Israel) The New Covenant was established through Jesus Christ.
But what does it mean to live in the presence of God’s Holiness?
Someone worth fighting for…
Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. - 1 Chronicles 11:10
Focusing on what made these warriors mighty and the importance of their role in connection to David as his kingdom became established. Then we will look at how we are currently called to be mighty warriors for the King of kings (Jesus).
Issues of First Importance
“Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things.” – C.S. Lewis
WHAT IS YOUR HEART CONDITION What does a spiritual stress test uncover about the condition of your heart?
We don’t need some exercise, a stint or bypass surgery - we need an outright heart transplant!
Guest Speaker Jerry Erickson.
John 12:1-8- "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume....7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
God’s primary concern always has been and always will be our hearts - do we love him above all else. Anything that takes God’s place in our lives is a breach of faith (idolatry). A TRUE TEST OF LOVE… As we turn from Israel to look at our own relationship with God and the condition of our hearts, let’s look at a true test of love - the test of Sacrifice. For God so LOVED the world (read ME) that He GAVE Jesus. So that we might be SAVED through him.
This is true love - God looked not to how we had wronged Him or rejected Him, but to our need and the hopelessness of our situation and HE did what was needed to address our separation from Him.
GOD IS FAITHFUL For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill my promise and bring you back to this place. – Jeremiah 29:10
HOW ARE WE FAITHFUL WHILE WAITING?
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. – 1 Peter 2:11-12 1. Guard your hearts 2. Watch how you live
No one’s Family Tree is exempt from the need of redemption and personal transformation through the power of Jesus.
May God’s divine intervention and his faithfulness through generations be seen in our midst. May we now and for generations to come tell the stories of His work in and through us. May God be glorified through our family tree.
"Stories… stories are integral to the lives of people in all societies. At one level they entertain, but at a deeper level stories shape our lives, especially those stories told and retold within families, churches, ethnic groups, organizations and nations. Such stories tell us where we have come from, where we belong, where we find our values and direction. These stories rehearse the past in order to illuminate the present and point the way to the future. For God’s people, biblical narrative provides images of hope that sustain life and faith, helping us to persist in moving forward.” ESV Expository Commentary
When days are dark we need to remember who owns everything
All in heaven and in earth is the LORD’s…
Look at the list of what is the LORD’s * greatness * power * glory * victory * majesty
When days are dark we not only remember who owns everything, but that He rules over all
EPIPHANY - You may have thought that Christmas was over on December 26, but this Thursday (January 6) is actually the culmination of the Advent Celebration. January 6 is historically celebrated as EPIPHANY Day.
EPHIPAHY - THEOPHANY - KINGS DAY is the Christian celebration of the manifestation of Jesus
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John. 10:16
Other Sheep - Gentiles Not of this fold - Israel Why? Because Jesus came to bring Joy to ALL PEOPLE.
The Joy of being brought in and included The Joy of being called, named and valued The Joy of being protected - even at the cost of the life of the Shepherd!
The Incarnation… This word literally means “to embody, take on flesh”. The miracle of Christmas and the Gift of Advent is that GOD stepped into humanity through the INCARNATION.
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1:32
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Jesus suffered as a human being in a physical body, sharing in the most painful and dark aspects of the human experience. - The Gospel of Advent (p. 41)
But this horrific scene finds it’s true beauty in not only what Jesus came to be, but...
The unique and costly gift under the tree had a name on the package. As Mary wrapped her newborn baby a tag was written and fastened to his little fingers and toes.
Jesus came for ME! Jesus came for YOU!
Looking ahead with ANTICIPATION is only possible because we can look backward with APPRECIATION for God’s dealing with our sin and providing us with redemption. This new standing before God then continues to bring TRANSFORMATION in our lives.
"Our God is not a God who leaves us alone and lets us be just how we are. He is a God who changes us.” - The Gospel of Advent p. 25
In light of Jesus 2nd Advent we are called to WAIT PATIENTLY, WATCH EXPECTANTLY, and PREPARE PURPOSEFULLY
Titus 2:11-14 … waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
But how do we wait patiently?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The day of the Lord… For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Because we have new life through Jesus:
- Draw Near in Faith
- Hold Fast in Hope
- Stimulate others to love
Edification is more than just encouragement. It includes any activity that results in Christlikeness. The concept of edification in the NT refers to mutual (corporate) edification. Where we help one another on the path to Christlikeness.
For us to understand what it means to be Christian we need to embrace the concept of COMMON UNITY. The word pictures used in the NT re the Church are pictures not of individualism, but of community.
God gives us - GIFTS - TALENTS - ABILITIES so that we can SERVE ONE ANOTHER for His glory.
Did you know that you are a beautiful masterpiece being created by God? "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For the body does not consist of one member but many." - 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
- What are Christians free from? How do you experience this in your life? Where do you struggle?
- What are some specific ways that Christians can “serve one another? How does the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) relate to serving one another?
- Share with each other your personal needs for growth in demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.
The unity of the body is tied back to the command Jesus gave us to “Love one another”.
- When do you find it difficult to “bear with one another”?
- How are you making it difficult for people to “bear with” you?
- Is there anyone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
- For what are you responsible to repair and restore a broken relationship?
- Is there anyone to whom you need to grant forgiveness?
ONE FOR ALL - ALL FOR LOVE ALL PEOPLE were in a place of being UNTIED from God, But God (all for love) provided the answer when He took one Nation (Israel) and provided ONE FOR ALL : a MESSIAH - the Savior - Jesus the Christ.
United for the purpose of His glory- Ephesians 3:20-21 One church - all generations - United through Christ for God’s glory.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 But HOW do I love you?
We are commanded by Christ to love one another. Real love puts others FIRST.
Our love for others is proof of parentage. God is our Father. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." -1 John 4:7-8
The source of our love of one another is directly traced back to our Spiritual Father. God is love - God passes that trait on to his children - our love for one another is proof God is our Father.
John 14:
Jesus - the one speaking; The Father who Jesus will ask to intercede on our behalf; The Holy Spirit - the Helper that will be sent to guide us.
Look at the description of the Holy Spirit * Another helper - Jesus will be leaving but we will not be left alone * With YOU - plural - FOREVER * Spirit of Truth * Who will be IN them (Us)
And then what the Spirit will do to help: * Teach all things * Bring to remembrance what Jesus has said
What makes the church unique? How is the church set apart from other ways/places we seek community?
The church is a unique community that is intricately and intimately interconnected to Jesus Christ and together we are being transformed through God’s redemptive work for us, in us, and through us.
God is at Work – Go ahead and rest. John 15:1-11 God will work through us to bring the Good News to the World around us. The Good News that we have not been abandoned. The Good News God has worked for us through Christ. The Good News that God is working IN us to bear fruit and bring Him Glory. John 15:8 – By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. It is as we remain connected to Christ and learn to ABIDE in him that our lives produce the fruit of that relationship and so prove to others our relationship with God through Christ.
Psalm 103 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
How do we Bless the Name of the LORD? * Tell God what you appreciate about Him * Tell others your story for God’s Glory
As we think about the Greatness of God we will be drawn to a place of responding to Him with worship-filled praise. • Songs that are an overflow of our relationship with God - PERSONALLY PRAISING with Him with His mighty acts of Loving salvation • Songs that unite with others in a great chorus of CORPORATE AFFIRMATION of His Greatness • Songs that PUBLICLY PROCLAIM His greatness to the world around us • Songs that are true and aligned with the truth God has expressed in His word • Songs that are sung authentically and honestly as an expressive demonstration of praise How can you turn your interactions with God into praise this week? What can you do to prepare yourself for our public gathering of worship as God’s body here at CrossPoint? Who around you needs to hear about the Greatness of God?
Guest Speaker Pastor Jerry Erickson. "Responding to God's Greatness: Repentance." The text is Psalm 51.
Dare to Declare: Responding to the Greatness of God
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings (mighty ones) Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples Psalm 29:1; 96:7; 1 Chronicles 16:28
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Psalm 29:1; 96:7; 1 Chronicles 16:28
In Psalm 103 alone we find that various English translations use different descriptive words to describe the Love of God: * Steadfast (ESV) * Faithful (CSB) * Abounding (NIV) * Unfailing (NLT)
The words used intend to point us to the love of God that is UNCHANGING, UNCAUSED, UNDESERVED and which is INCOMPREHENSIBLE Steadfast = firmly fixed; immovable; not subject to change
"Our Father in Heaven, we (your children) are often troubled, hearing within us at once the affirmations of faith and the accusations of conscience. We are sure that there is in us nothing that could attract the love of One as holy and just as You are. Yet You have declared Your unchanging love for us in Christ Jesus. If nothing in us can win Your love, nothing in the universe can prevent You from loving us. Your love is uncaused and undeserved. You alone are the reason for the love with which we are loved. Help us to believe in the intensity, the eternity of the love that has found us. Then love will cast out fear and our troubled hearts will be at peace, trusting not in what we are but in what You have declared Yourself to be. AMEN."
-Prayer adapted from A.W. Tozer the Knowledge of the Holy
The past year and a half has seen our lives turned upside down. From strained relationships, grief over missed life events, to feelings of loss of control, anxiety, and depression, we've all faced unexpected life situations.
We are so excited to bring in four trained counselors who specialize in grief, loss, trauma, and mental health to help guide us, and encourage us to support others, as we move forward and find a place of healing.
Psalm 147: 1 "Praise the LORD! for it is good to sing praises to our God."
Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:5 "Great is our LORD, and abundant in power: his understanding is beyond measure."
The Closer We Get to God the More We Realize How Far We Are From Him. The Unsearchable Greatness of God should draw us to Unceasing Worship of Him
PSALM 145:18-21
One of the most confounding truths about the greatness of God is that this One who is KING, who is greater than our ability to wrap our minds around, makes Himself accessible to us.
His greatness makes Him seem so distant and unreachable - but He is only a call away from any of us. Great is the Lord - Greatly to be praised - his greatness is unsearchable… yet He has given you direct access to Him. No matter what meeting I am in - there is a call that I will take. God is never too busy with important mighty works that He will not take your call.
Psalm 93 points us to the greatness of God and specifically in relation to His Authority. In fact - to know God is to understand that He is the AUTHOR of AUTHORITY As we turn to Psalm 93 today we find that God is a great author and we are all part of the story that HE is writing.
PSALM 90: GOD is Eternal
He has no beginning nor ending. There has never been a time where He has not been. He has no source - because He is the source. He was not created - He is the Creator.
Guest Speaker. What are your how long questions? What things have you been most waiting for? Some of our “how long” questions may not be related to the pandemic but rather – how long until I am able to get a diagnosis or surgery for suspected cancer, how long will I remain estranged from my son or daughter, how long will I have to endure the pain of an unjustified personal attack?
Psalm 8- O LORD, Our Lord; How Majestic is your name in all the earth
The very name of God declares His greatness.
What does it mean that God’s name is Majestic? How is it Majestic in all the Earth?
O LORD - YHWH; The name of God declares his greatness Why is God’s name so important? * His name is a declaration of who He is - it is descriptive of his existence * He is the self-existent One * He is creator - from which all that is finds its existence * There is nothing Greater than the LORD God
Circumstances do not need to get us down - WE CAN ENDURE ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES US STRENGTH
But he didn’t just write letters - Paul lived purposefully
Look at this ending description of Paul’s ministry * Welcomed all who came to him * Proclaimed the kingdom of God * Taught about the Lord Jesus Christ * WITH ALL BOLDNESS AND WITHOUT HINDRANCE
Youth Sunday:
Aligning our plans and intentions with God's desires requires us to recognize God has a plan He is working out in our lives and in the lives of others and being willing to submit ourselves to Him.
Acts 27
How does our faith in Christ enable us to navigate the storms of life? What do the storms of life provide for us?
The opportunity for a clear and appropriate testimony.
As we Trust, Rejoice, and Align ourselves to God, our faith in Christ will enable us to navigate the storms of life.
Acts 24-26 Allowing our story to point people to Jesus and trusting Him with their response.
Felix was indecisive, Festus was uninformed, Agrippa was unwilling….
While none of these men seemed to have come to faith in Jesus, that did not nullify the importance of Paul sharing the message.
Have you taken time to prayerfully consider who God is bringing into your life so that your story can be told to them for God’s glory?
God will fulfill His purpose
God’s control, authority, and presence provide us with the courage to live out His purposes in our lives
- The Control of God – God works all things together according to His plan and for His glory
- The Authority of God – The decisions God makes and the actions He takes cannot be hindered
- The Presence of God – We encounter God in all our experience and are unable to escape His justice or His love
“Take courage for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts 23:11
THE BASIS OF OUR PASSION Justice needs to have a foundation upon which it is established. Without a consistent foundation, what is deemed “right” will change based on the eyes through which it is seen. In this passage - those who were Zealous about their Jewish roots and religious heritage saw the situation through those eyes. But their station was broken and fuzzy. They only connected with God on what they wanted to hear. Their passion for Justice needed to be grounded back onto the foundation from which all that is true, and good and righteous stems. Why is Justice important? Where does this passion for Justice find its roots? True justice stems from God Himself. He alone is truly just. All of us are created in God’s image and every human being deserves to be treated as one who was created to bear the image of God.
Good people still fall short Obtaining good standing with God is not accomplished by being good enough or doing the right things. The truth is that none of us is good enough and that is why Jesus had to suffer, die and rise again for us. Faith in Christ alone is the doorway to a salvation story. Peter clearly shared this message with Cornelius and everyone that had been gathered together that day.
Acts 10:34-43
JESUS ROSE ABOVE MERE CIRCUMSTANCES TO GIVE LIFE PURPOSE
Key Text: Matthew 28:1-20
Why can I rise above the circumstances of today? What gives me the hope for tomorrow - the power for today - the purpose for this moment? Jesus is alive! The resurrection of Jesus lifts us above circumstances and gives our life purpose.
What do I see when I look upon the Cross? I see Jesus, the Son of God, my substitute, my Savior.
How do we experience the authority of Jesus in the circumstances of life? When we come to Jesus seeking Him to work in our lives we need to do so with the willingness of one who is under His authority. Submit ourselves to His plan because we understand his position of authority and his power to enact also means that we realize that He sees what needs to happen.
Acts 21- Aligning ourselves in the direction of the Holy Spirit is not always popular. Sometimes people think they are following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but it turns out to be their own emotions, desires and evaluation of the situation and not the direction of God.
Living a life aligned to God is costly. Living a life aligned to God can be difficult. But Living a life aligned to God is Always WORTH IT!
What does it look like to live on purpose as a believer? Who do you look up to as you seek to live a purpose-filled life? How do we live an example of a purposeful life?
Living on Purpose - we are talking about aligning ourselves to God’s intended purpose for us.
This type of purposeful living needs to be done in connection to others; Devoted to the Lord; Courageously and Intentionally.
It is only accomplished as we: * Pay attention to ourselves * Care for others
GIVING CHRIST FIRST PLACE IN OUR LIVES Acts 19:21-20:1 Living life on Purpose starts by giving Jesus FIRST place in our life and accessing and addressing anything that seeks to push Him out of FIRST place.
Acts 19:1-7 Christ brings purpose to life as the Holy Spirit shines into and through our lives.
IS THERE AN AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU NEED TO OPEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT’S TRANSFORMING WORK?
IS THE Holy Spirit ASKING YOU TO SHINE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE TODAY?
Acts 18:28
This brings us to the first truth about extending Christ’s love: there is only one who is the CHRIST and his name if JESUS
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THE CHRIST IS JESUS
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-11
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PEOPLE NEED JESUS TO BE THEIR CHRIST
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1 Corinthians 3:1-9
- WE NEED EACH OTHER AS WE SHARE JESUS, THE CHRIST
- EXTENDING CHRIST’S LOVE TO OTHERS, WITH OTHERS