DIFFERENT #4: Even If He Doesn't

Daniel 3

They understood that obedience is obedience regardless of the outcome.
Because God is GOD regardless of the outcome.

I think it would have been easier for Paul to give up in that ditch.

It would have been easier for Jesus to accept the kingship of Israel and rule for that time and era, rather than die on the cross.

It would have been EASIER for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down.

It would have been easier for Peter to stay in that boat during the storm.

But they ALL knew something we don’t.

They ALL knew that that ditch didn’t define them. That grave didn’t define them. That king didn’t get to define them. That prison cell didn’t define them. That label, that identity, that addiction, that fear, that doubt, that ANGER--it didn’t define them!

THE GOSPEL DEFINES US.

Faith is not manipulation of God...it’s not twisting His arm to do what you want.

God isn’t raising spoiled little church mice up..

God is raising up WARRIORS. Obedient to their commanding officer even unto DEATH.
THAT is the example we follow.
THAT is the Jesus we serve.

He is raising up you and me to be the only ones in the crowd to be DIFFERENT. obedient.

He is raising up you and me TO BE THROWN INTO THE FIRE….because when we are at our worst...He is at His best. When we are weak, THEN His is strong through us, His grace is sufficient for you today, believer. His power is made PERFECT in your weakness!!

God did not save them FROM that fire.  God saved them IN that fire.

“Even if He doesn’t faith” is when...

• Your belief isn’t selfish.  

• Your obedience isn’t conditional.

• Your trial doesn’t produce “smoke”

And here was my big revelation this week---->  if He’s in it WITH you--where else would you honestly rather be?!

WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU HONESTLY RATHER BE?!

IF JESUS IS IN THAT FIRE--I WANNA BE IN THAT FIRE. BECAUSE AM I REALLY EVEN MORE SAFE OUTSIDE OF IT? IF HE’S IN IT...
IF JESUS IS IN THE STORM--AM I REALLY MORE SAFE IN THE BOAT?!
IF JESUS IN THAT PRISON--AM I REALLY MORE FREE OUTSIDE OF IT?!

What if His plan is bigger than just saving you?

What if His plan is bigger than just saving you?

DIFFERENT #3: Built Different

Matthew 14:22-33

At this point, at least 19 miracles have taken place by the point.
When you’re living through a difficult situation, be really careful to interpret where Jesus is in the situation.

3 things that set Peter apart:

1. Built to believe different.
There’s only one guy in the boat that thinks differently about himself. Peter was the only one that said, “If Jesus can do it, maybe I can do it too.”

There should be something very different about what we believe, even about ourselves

We’ve allowed the labels of others, to put limitations on ourselves.
The Bible never describes us as normal. We are CHOSEN.
You and I will always behave in a way that’s consistent with what you believe about yourself.
Some of you have held on far too long to the labels that others have placed on you. We have to choose to resist the loyalty to those labels.

2. Built to behave different.
When Jesus says “come” to you—is that enough?

Is His “come” enough for you?

Jesus gave Peter more information in the beginning of their relationship, but not now.
It should be more about WHO said “come”, rather than WHAT was said.
One step out of the boat can have a ripple effect!

3. Built to behold different.

If the devil can’t destroy your faith, he’ll distract it.
The same faith it took you to get out of the boat, is the same faith that it will take to sustain you.

Eyes on Jesus, FVChurch!! You’ll make it through the storm!

DIFFERENT #2: Who Are You?

The most important question you can be asked in the Kingdom of God isn’t what can you do for Him….but who are you?

Acts 19:11-16

Paul was different because he was willing to be developed, not just discovered.

We’re all lost without Him.
The difference is that some of us know it, and some of us don’t.

Paul was different because he knew who he was.

It wasn’t Paul the spirits were afraid of, it was the JESUS in Paul.

DIFFERENT #1: He Got Up

THE DIFFERENCE wasn’t on the outside. It was on the inside.

Jesus was still the son of God before he was baptized in the HS. 
BUT HIS MINISTRY STARTED WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED WITH THE Holy Spirit AND FIRE. 

Acts 14:8-20

Today you’re in the House of the Lord--you’re in an environment of FAITH, surrounded by believers.

The amazing thing about a community of faith, is that sometimes you’re the one beat up...and sometimes you’re the one praying.

Sunday Is Not Enough #6: Change The World

What actually IS an apostle? “apostle” is a New Testament word meaning “one sent out”
Would Jesus have been the world-changer that He was….if not for the apostles?

The Gospels:

Matthew - the excellent side of things...regal, respectable, powerful...attention to detail, nothing out of order. He quoted the OT the most..he was the accountant, the detail guy.

Mark - all about the servanthood of Jesus. No genealogy because who would want to know the pedigree of a servant? We put others first.

Luke - trying to show Jesus as a man. His human, relationship side.

John - trying to show us that Jesus was GOD...his sovereign side.

Acts 1:6-11

World changers are focused on their mission, and they trust God to work out the future.

World Changers have to go back down the mountain.

To do that...sometimes we need a few things: 

WHY did they get to see Jesus ascend?

• They needed closure.

• They needed a commissioning.

• They needed to get to work.

• They needed a helper.

Sunday Is Not Enough #5: Selfless Disciples

Acts 6:1-7

The apostles’ solution was to: Step up and serve, rather than BE served.

Ephesians 4:11-12

The apostles’ solution was to: Get organized.

Acts 7:54-60

Sunday Is Not Enough #4: EPIC WEEKEND with Tim Bennett

Joshua 3:1-17

The will of God is not for us to stay where we are.

“In this world you WILL have trouble.” -Jesus

We tell God exactly how HE has to work and then we wonder why we have to wander through the desert for 40 years.

Our level of obedience will determine our level of blessing.

Our faith and our hope has been rooted in the wrong place!

If we really want to stop wandering, and start seeing the wonders of God we have to:

1. Let Go of the Past

“Normal” got us into the mess we’re in now.

The Jordan River was at a flood stage, so it made zero sense to cross at that time. But when God days go, you go. The city of Adam is where the water starts piling up. It became 200 miles wide, 120 feet deep, and 20 miles long. Making this miracle much bigger than the miracle of the Red Sea being parted.

Weak faith says, “you can do it!” No, WE can’t, but HE can.

2. Look Up in the Pursuit

We look up in recognition of who He is and where we are.

Why would David have to pray about what He’s already been told?

We are way too casual about the presence of God, and then wonder why there’s so much death in our lives.

His will is not for us to be followers of His presence, but CARRIERS of His presence.

Let’s stop being under the influence, and let’s start BEING the influence.

3. Launch Forward in the Promise

I wish we’d stop listening to the majority and the popular opinion of this world. The promise is there, it’s your job to possess it.

Sunday Is Not Enough #3: Passionate Disciples

Acts 9:1-20

Passionate Disciples are Disciplemakers.

Passionate disciples are obedient.

Passionate Disciples are willing to pay the cost.

Sunday Is Not Enough #2: Vibrant Disciples

Acts 10:1-48

VIBRANT DISCIPLES PRAY.

The Holy Spirit will meet us when we pray.

The Holy Spirit will challenge us to be bold.

The Holy Spirit will challenge us to take the Gospel outside our comfort zones.

1 Corinthians 14:32-33

The Holy Spirit will challenge us into a life-worship (not a Sunday-only worship).

The Holy Spirit will challenge anything that gets in the way.

Sunday Is Not Enough #1: The Believers

Acts 2:41-47
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

The Believers Form a Community

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

1. Our Emotions
Matthew 5:21-22

2. Our Bodies
Matthew 5:27

3. Our Words
Matthew 5:33

4. Our Religion
Matthew 6:6

5. Our Money
Matthew 6:22

6. Our Judgements
Matthew 7:1

7. Our Behavior

WILD #6: Win Them Back

Matthew 6:7-15

Common misconceptions about forgiveness among Christians:

1. You don’t have to do anything to receive God’s forgiveness. Not true, it must be accepted.

2. Forgiveness must be earned. Not true, it can only be given.

3. Trust should be given, alongside forgiveness. Not true, trust & forgiveness are two different things.

   1. Matthew 18:15-17

      15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

4. Forgiveness is a feeling. Not true, forgiveness is a choice.

5. Forgiveness is the belief that they won’t mess up again. Again, not true. Forgiveness is the belief that they probably will mess up again, but choosing love anyway.

   1. In fact, if I could add another one of these in retrospect--the 6th misconception would be that forgiveness is for THEM. It’s not. It’s for me. They may mess up again...your unforgiveness wouldn’t stop that. But unforgiveness isn’t for them--it’s for YOU

Romans 12:17-21

Justice Misconceptions:

1. We know vengeance best. Nope, only God does.

2. We’re being asked to forgive too much. No, we’ve been forgiven of so much.

3. If I forgive, they won’t change. Actually, forgiveness is a much more effective change agent.

4. An eye for an eye is the only way to conquer evil. No, you conquer evil by doing good.

WILD #5: Less Than Full Salvation

Safe and Secure

Psalm 91:1-16

 When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, (the overpower-er)
you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

2 He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great confidence.

3 He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
and he will protect you from false accusation
and any deadly curse.

4 His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

5 You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night
nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

6 Don’t fear a thing!
Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,
nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.

7 Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,
you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

8 You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
for they will be paid back for what they have done!

9–10 When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
 How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?

11 God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
defending you from all harm.

12 If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
and keep you from stumbling.

13 You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
trampling every one of them beneath your feet!

14 For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
“Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,
I will greatly protect you.

15 I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
and you will feel my presence
in your time of trouble.
I will deliver you and bring you honor.

16 I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”

Because you have:

1. LOVED ME
2. DELIGHTED IN ME
3. BEEN LOYAL TO MY NAME

WILD #4: Don't Do It Alone

Catch up on this series on the FV Podcast, or on our YouTube Channel!
If this series has made a difference in your life—share it with a friend!

David was the only one thinking differently in a crowd full of people scared, frustrated, and hiding. The only one asking the right questions! It got him noticed. But how did he do it?

1 Samuel 17:23-31

Fear wasn’t his first go-to. How?!

1. David had put the time in to develop his skills. 

   1. You have been given the gift of TIME. Start using it.

2. He had a sense of purpose on his life already.

   1. You’ve been given that same sense of purpose.

3.  He was anointed with the power of the HS.

   1. You’ve been given that same gift of the HS.

What was your biggest takeaway from this message?
Comment below!

WILD #3: His Kingdom

Catch up on this series on the FV Podcast, or on our YouTube Channel!
If this series has made a difference in your life—share it with a friend!

Luke 12:22-34

Why do you have so little faith?
”Jesus sees worry as an expression of LITTLE faith.”

Seek FIRST His Kingdom

Psalm 104:10-17

“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22

Psalm 104:24-28

People With An Abundance Mindset:

1. Tithe.

2. Are grateful for what they do have. 

3. See money as a tool, not a god.

4. Are generous.

5. Seek FIRST His Kingdom, and watch God build theirs.

---

10 Biblical Promises for Your Finances

1. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 NIV

2. Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favour my righteous cause; and let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Ps. 35:27

3. The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22

4. Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Prov. 3:9-10

5. I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. Is. 45:2-3

6. And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deut. 8:18

7. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38

8. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s armies, what joy for those who trust in you. Ps. 84:10-12 NLT

9. Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Cor. 9:6-8 NLT

10. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19 NLT

What was your biggest takeaway from this message?
Comment below!

WILD #2: Unpolluted Passion

1 Kings 18:21

Indecision IS a decision at a certain point.

James 1:5-8

Your decisions will rise to the level of your faith.

James 4:8

You can choose innocence.

Matthew 22:37

Your mind needs to be engaged in faith.

Proverbs 25:26

WILD #1: Wage War

Acts 4:13, “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”

Philippians 4:8-9, ”And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

It takes practice.

“Wars are won before they are ever fought.” - Sun Tzu

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

Take them captive.

“Christianity is an identity that is RECEIVED, not ACHIEVED.”

LOST & FOUND #4: Take Your Positions

Sermon Title: Take Your Positions

2 Chronicles 20

1. Take Your Positions

• He acknowledged the problem & the source

• He prayed and worshipped

• He acknowledged his own limitations

• He obeyed, and marched

2. Do Not Be Afraid

3. The Lord Is With You

LOST & FOUND #3: Right Where He Wants Me

What if you only FEEL like you’re a little lost right now?

What if you’re actually right where God wants you.

Job 1:1-3
Job 1:6-12
Job 2:3-13
Job 3:1-5
Job 32:2-5
He makes a couple of solid points: 

1. You ASSUME God isn’t answering you.

   1. --maybe He has, and you weren’t listening.

   2. Job 33:12-18

2. You ASSUME God is going against his own sense of justice

   1. --when really, you’re putting your own justice on Him.

   2. Job 34:33-37

3. You ASSUME you are without sin.  

   1. But by doing so, you are committing the sin of pride.

   2. Job 35:1-13

4. You ASSUME that because He hasn’t answered so far, he isn’t going to.

   1. --when really, you’re just not being patient.

   2. Job 35:14-16

5. You ASSUME suffering is a punishment.

   1. --but what if it’s a warning?

   2. Job 36:13-21

6. You ASSUME you should understand everything about God.

   1. --but really, who could? Ever?

   2. Job 36:26-29

Job 38:1-11

Job 40:1-4

Job 40:6-14

LOST & FOUND #2: Pharisee Faith

Luke 7:36-50

1. Jesus went where He was invited.
3 types of friends: Front door friends, dining room friends, kitchen friends.
Classified by how deeply you let them into your life. Acquaintances, Social Friends, Best Friends.

2. Fix the heart.
People can FEEL judgement. It’s felt more than it is said.
This Pharisee had poured religion and rules and laws into his heart for so long, that he lost the SPIRIT of the law, by obeying the LETTER of the law.
You can say all the right things, with the wrong heart behind it, and still be wrong.

3. Honor what you CAN.
Forgiveness is not EARNED, it is given. Trust is earned, forgiveness is given.
Jesus forgave her sin because her heart was grateful. Because her ACTIONS showed her faith. Because she knew that he could.

4. Gratitude can fix a lot.
If you’re struggling with judgmental thoughts...anxiety and depression…selfishness or arrogance… Start practicing gratitude.

To fix the judgmental thoughts we must:

1. Recognize them.

2. Examine them.

3. Take them captive.

4. Retrain yourself.

LOST & FOUND #1: The Lost & The Blind

True Jesus followers…

1. Make mistakes and admit them. 

   1. Fakers pretend they don’t make mistakes. And take offense very easily.

2. Are humble and servant-hearted.

   1. Fakers think the world owes them something, and make quick & loud judgements about people.

3. Ask questions. 

4. Fakers think they know it all, and will usually try to “disciple” you..without being asked to. (OR--very obviously try to avoid advice, because they have an idea of what you’ll say already, whereas true disciples ask even if they have an idea about what they’re going to hear)

Three types of people:

1. The LOST (know they are lost)

2. The BLIND (lost, but think they’re found. Both the lost and the blind are LOST, one just doesn’t know it)

3. The FOUND (and know they are found)

Luke 19:1-10

Mark 10:17-27

FOUND people are willing to give everything and anything in service of Jesus.
FOUND people are willing to change when confronted with the TRUE love of Jesus.
FOUND people show their faith through their actions, instead of letting it be action only.
FOUND people know who they would be, without Jesus.