Your comeback is in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:10
The greater the suffering, the greater the comeback! I’m Jesus, we have a comeback!
Maybe you are one prayer away from your victory! There IS a restoration for your life.
Crippled by the fall
2 Samuel 4:4
Genesis 3:14-19
Revelation 12:11
He rescues you from hopelessness.
2 Samuel 9:3-4
He gives you a seat at the King’s table.
2 Samuel 9:3-8
Fasting: Fasting is voluntarily going without food — or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God — for the sake of some spiritual purpose.
The Bible seems more concerned with WHEN we will fast, not IF.
Meaning, the WHO of who should fast? Is: Jesus followers.
““And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 NLT
“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Matthew 9:14-15 NLT
WHY do we do it?
We fast in this life because we believe in the life to come.
We fast from what we can see and taste, because we have tasted and seen the goodness of the invisible and infinite God
We fast because we know that we need discipline.
Fasting demonstrates a humble heart of repentance and submission to God. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18
The last time I fasted I realized that it’s more about managing TIME than my stomach.
Most of us are VERY WELL fed physically, and starving spiritually!
How to Start Fasting:
Start small.
Plan what you’ll do instead of eating.
Consider how it will affect others.
Try different kinds of fasting.
Fast from something other than food.
Practice filling your mind and using your time wisely.
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NLT
“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” 1 Peter 1:13 NLT
God is more concerned with your LONG TERM FAITH, than your short term escape.
Exodus 12:40-42
God is our RESCUER and strength!
Exodus 13:4-16
4 questions:
On all other nights we eat either leavened or unleavened bread. On this night, why do we eat only unleavened matzah? (Traditionally, matzah is hard thin square wheat crackers or a softer thicker matzo bread made by hand from a watery wheat batter.)
Answer: To remind us of the haste with which our ancestors left Egypt.
On all other nights we eat all kinds of herbs. On this night, why only bitter herbs?
Answer: To remind us of the bitterness of slavery.
On all other nights we do not dip our herbs even once. On this night, why do we dip them twice?
Answer: Some say to remind us of our coming and going from Egypt.
On all other nights we eat sometimes sitting and sometimes reclining. On this night, why do we all recline?
Answer: To remind us of how free people relax.
What you celebrate matters!
Create a moment to celebrate.
Celebrate Jesus.
Romans 10:5-13
5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says,
“The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart.”
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Dredge the River
Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Galatians 5:19-21, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
You can’t not say it. So lead it
Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Build the Presentation!
Romans 10:11, “As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Question: if you could do anything and NOT FAIL, what would you do?
The characteristics of the ministry of Jesus:
BELONGING
FEEDING
HUMBLING
TEACHING
DELIVERANCE
HEALING
1. Jesus spoke. Matthew 9:6-7 / Mark 10:52 / John 5:8-9
2. Jesus touched. Matthew 8:15 / Matthew 20:34 / Luke 13:13
3. Jesus' cloak. Matthew 9:20-22 / Matthew 14:35-36
4. Jesus' spit. Mark 8:22-25
5. Jesus used clay. John 9:6 / Mark 7:33-35
6. Jesus wasn't there. Matthew 8:13 / Matthew 15:28 / John 4:50-53
JESUS: The missing ingredient.
So far we have covered:
BELONGING
FEEDING
HUMBLING
TEACHING
Left:
DELIVERANCE
HEALING
Jesus spent a lot of time and energy setting people free from demonic influence
Jesus always told all of his representatives to set people free from demons as a part of their mission.
Matthew 4:1-11
Here is a list of things Jesus would ALWAYS do when it came to demons:
(1)He would operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:28
(2)He would rebuke the demons, but rescue their victim
(3)He would speak and give orders to the demons and they would obey him. Mark 1:23-27
(4)He would exercise absolute authority over every demon
(5)He had a 100% success rate for any person that wanted to be free (sometimes they resisted…but He always won)
Here is a list of things Jesus would SOMETIMES do when it came to demons:
(1)He would sometimes have brief conversations with the demons to gather information before casting them out
(2)He would sometimes have brief conversations with the afflicted person or a family member to gather information
(3)He would sometimes compel the demon(s) to identify themselves
Here are a list of things Jesus NEVER did:
(1)He never prayed for God the Father to make the demons leave
(2)He never told his followers to “pray” for God the Father or Jesus to drive out the demons (he told them to cast them out, not pray about it.) Matt 10:8
(3)He never backed down, retreated, or gave up
(4)He never rebuked the person that was being harassed by demons, or made them feel guilt, shame, or condemnation
(5)He never had counseling sessions where he dug up the person’s past
(6)He never mentioned anything about generational curses, soul ties, etc
(7)He never forced, controlled, or overrode the free will of anyone
(8)He didn’t complicate it.
Here is the basic breakdown of the “Jesus Deliverance Method”
Identify the problem by revelation from the Holy Spirit, by observation, or through brief conversation
Evict the demon(s) by using His authority
Matthew 8:16-17
Mark 5:1-17
What does this mean for us?
Stand on His authority.
Don’t be afraid. Be bold! Be direct.
Deliverance is a natural byproduct of sharing the Gospel. (not the other way around)
Things to note about the way that Jesus taught:
Jesus modeled being teachable. Luke 2:41-47, Luke 4:31, Luke 4:44
Jesus taught in the temple AND out of the temple.
Jesus taught when it was inconvenient to Him.
Jesus wasn’t always clear.. Matthew 13:10-17. Jesus didn’t dumb it down.
Jesus didn’t make it easy to hear. Matthew 23:2-7, Matthew 23:13-15
He was available
What does this mean for us?
1. Jesus is still teaching. Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16
2. We should be teaching. Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15
Examples of the humility of Jesus:
He became flesh. Philippians 2:5-11
He was baptized.Matthew 3:13-17
His Ministry. John 13:3-5
He washed feet. John 13:1-17
His prayer in the garden. Luke 22:42
His death on the cross, Philippians 2:6-8
What does that mean for us?
If our God is humble...how much more should we be?
Our boast should be in Jesus.
He's worthy of giving your life to.
Times Jesus Fed People:
Feeding of the 5,000 - Jews - Mark 6:30-45
Feeding of the 4,000 - gentiles - Mark 8:1-10
Water to wine - John 2:1-10
Peter on the beach - John 21:1-14
The Last Supper - Mark 14:12-26
What does this mean for us?
He is the provider, and He has more than enough.
He’s moved with compassion when His people are hungry.
He is the bread of life.
Loneliness -30%
Anger -32%
Bitterness in relationships -40%
Alcoholism -57%
Feeling spiritually stagnant -60%
Pornography -61%
Sharing your faith +200%
Discipling others +230%
"The Heart of Jesus" is a spring 2023 FVChurch sermon series about the what Jesus cared about, HOW He ministered, and how we can too.
Refresh this page during service to see Pastor Candace’s notes!
I Will Send A Hunger In The Land!
You can hunger for the good things in life, but you can also hunger for bad things! Depends on what you‘ve been fed.
Genesis 25:27-34
Esau was living by his cravings. Despised his birthright. Jacob was cheating. Neither will get you anywhere in life.
Amos 8:11
Not a hunger for food or water, but for hearing the words of the Lord.
John 6:25-27, 32-35
Mark 7:27-29
Jesus is interested in our natural cravings, and our spiritual.
Offense is only there when we think we have food. When we’re starving, we aren’t offended. You won’t find a perfect church! Humans will let you down. Go to church because you are in love with Jesus. You can’t be man-focused and expect to receive the bread of life.
There needs to be more hunger in you than fear!
Christianity is not a culture, it’s a person!
God loves to respond to HUNGER. Hunger = faith. Hunger will release the supernatural.
Don’t give your time to people who know it all spiritually. Give your treasure to the hungry!
There is a life that is possible to live but it’s impossible to do without desperation and hunger!
I was not picky about the worship, that is something that comes when you’re too fed.
People are asking me all the time when I come to America, what’s your opinion on this preacher…do I have to have one?? I’m too busy preaching the Gospel…
Acts 8:4-25
Jesus used a word that means CALLED OUT for the church. We are CALLED OUT from our culture, we are CALLED OUT from our peers, from our religion, from our chains of sin and shame. We are CALLED OUT from our comfort zone and from our comfy couches! We are CALLED OUT from our sleep and our slumber and our lazy ways of selfish living. It’s not about you! Church is not about YOU.
In fact, once you are in the doors and you call yourself a Christian, it’s your job to turn right back around and provide the things that we’ve been talking about in this series. It’s your job to testify. It’s your job to gather. It’s your job to heal. It's your job to deliver.
Don't be afraid.
Deliverance is part of the ministry of Jesus, therefore it IS part of our ministry too.
I think, when dealing with demons, a super important piece of it is to not give them the attention they so desire. Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is…and to do that, you have to know just how powerful YOU are, in Jesus.
Stop making the problem SO BIG and God SO SMALL!
Stop glorifying your problem, and glorify the name of Jesus.
It's about Jesus. (Keep the main thing, the main thing.)
This is the best biblical example I can think of, of someone worshiping the gift and not the Giver (Simon the Sorcerer).
Here’s another important thing to know before trying to face down a demon…you have better done your work first. Meaning, if you and Jesus aren’t square…if you aren’t being obedient in a certain area…the demon will know, and won’t take you seriously.
Demons can and will be able to sense your revelation of Jesus is, and your obedience level to Him.
There are some Christians out there right now pursuing only REVIVAL, and what they get, is performance. It’s cheap, it’s fake, it’s gross. When in reality, if you pursue JESUS, you get revival.
It's a gift.
Peter and John weren’t so offended by Simon’s request because they wanted to hoard the power to themselves, or because it’s NOT available to everyone.
They’re so offended by Simon’s request, because the power isn’t bought or earned…it’s GIVEN! And if Simon truly knew Jesus, he would have understood that too.
So that’s my question for you today. Do you truly know Jesus? Do you truly understand the GIFT that He has given us?
That it can never be earned…only given.
That it can never be bought…only received.
That to pursue the gift itself doesn’t make sense, but to pursue Jesus is the only thing that will ever truly make sense. It’s the way the rest of life makes sense!
When you do truly understand that–it’s hard not to be delivered! When you do, the demons WILL flee!
this is what we need to deliver our world from darkness. Maybe it’s not demons that your friends at work are dealing with, but it is loneliness. Maybe it’s depression. Anxiety. Maybe it’s financial burdens. Maybe it’s family stuff.
We may not be able to solve all their problems immediately…but the way that the Acts church lived…sure did solve a lot of those. They lived a life in surrender to Jesus Christ…and that alone will deliver most issues!! They lived a life that allowed the HS to work through them. That’s what our world needs right now.
A church on fire.
Acts 3:1-16
God is the healer, but He empowers us for ministry.
Luke 17:5-10
It almost never happened the same way, twice. There’s no formula!
Jesus didn't have to teach about healing, He just lived it.
Mark 16:15-18
Acts 2:42-47
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), 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— 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.
They devoted themselves to 4 things:
Learning more about Jesus the apostles teaching
Fellowship
Sharing in meals (& communion)
Prayer
The word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia (coin-o-nea). Koinonia can be defined as “holding something in common” and is specifically used 20 times in the New Testament (e.g. Phil. 2:1-2, Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:6-7).
Koinonia describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviors. When those shared values are in place, genuine koinonia (biblical fellowship) occurs. This fellowship produces our mutual cooperation in God’s worship, God’s work, and God’s will being done in the world. Because of the importance of Christian fellowship, it is essential to distinguish biblical guidelines to govern our interactions with other professing believers. This is especially true in a world such as ours, where there exists tremendous diversity in the beliefs and behaviors among those who call themselves Christians.
Fellowship should be joyful and generous.
Prayer is mentioned in one form or another 10 times in Matthew, 12 times in Mark, and 5 times in John. Luke mentions it 19 times in his gospel and—32 times in Acts!!
What happened after the church prayed?
1. Pentecost (1:14)
2. Earthquakes, followed by Evangelism (4:31; 16:25)
3. Resuscitation of a girl, Tabitha (9:40)
4. Miraculous Release from prison (12:5)
5. Healing of a chief officials’ father, and then many more (28:8)
What did the church pray for?
1. Its leaders (1:24; 6:6; 14:23*)
2. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit (8:15)
3. Sinners to Repent (8:24; 26:29)
4. Missions (13:3*)
5. Physical safety! (27:29)
6. Healing (9:40; 28:8)
When did the church pray?
1. In times of Crisis (7:59; 12:5, 12; 16:25)
2. When making decisions or establishing leaders (1:24; 6:6; 14:23)
3. When repenting (8:22; 9:11*)
4. When saying "Goodbye" (20:36; 21:5)
The church prayed habitually:
1. The whole church (2:42)
2. The Apostles (1:14; 6:4) & Leadership (13:3*)
3. Peter (3:1; 10:9; 11:5)
4. Paul (22:17)
5. Cornelius (10:2, 4, 30–31)
6. Jewish Women (16:13, 16)
7. Actual prayers (1:24–25; 4:24–31)
* Accompanied by fasting
Acts 2:1-2
When we're obedient, God moves.
Acts 2:2-13
Don't waste the moment.
Acts 2:14-24
Don't lose your focus.
Acts 2:36-41
We're called to testify
“Three out of four American adults say they want to grow spiritually. Nearly half of Americans say they are more open to God today than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. “
There are 104,127 people living in Adams County PA. Let’s say that we follow the state average and that 34% of us go to church on a weekly basis. That’s 68,724 people who do not go to church on a weekly basis in this county alone.
If ALL of them picked any church in this county and went to it all on the same Sunday, we’d be absolutely OVERRUN. We wouldn’t have room, BY A LOT. I found 45 churches in Adams County, in a quick google search…We’d have 1,527 MORE people here show up to church on Sunday. Where would we put them all??
Luke 3:15-18
Where else do we see fire in the bible?
→ Flaming Sword at the garden of Eden. Blocking the way back to the presence of God.
Genesis 3:24
→The Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1-17
→ Presence of God in fire on Mt. Sinai & in the fiery pillar
Exodus 24:17, “To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
Exodus 13:21
→ Isaiah’s vision & burning coal
Isaiah 6:6-7, “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
→ Fiery tongues of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4, “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
Fire Representations in the Bible:
Presence
Purification
Passion
Purpose
Fire illuminates…it brings things to light!
Fire warms.
Fire changes things.
Fire refines.
Acts 4:29-30, “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 1:8-9
Unqualified
…about the qualifications God uses to call us into service of Him.
The Comfort Zone
…about stepping out of our comfort zones with an all-new playbook from God!
Privileges
…about the privileges and responsibilities of living as a son or daughter of the King.
Made New
…about how Jesus makes all things new!
The Wrong Question
…about how asking the wrong question, to the right God, is still the right thing to do.
Freedom Isn’t Free
…explains the true meaning of freedom in the Kingdom, from Acts 16.
Suit Up
…describes the supernatural world, and how to be on guard against the enemy.
Taking Ground
…about how we go on the offensive spiritually, taking ground by spreading the love of Jesus.
God With Us
…about God sending Jesus to be WITH us, even in our messy humanity.
What holiday were we celebrating here?
What holiday kicked off our Made New sermon series?
What ministry team is represented here?
Which FV birthday did we celebrate in 2022?
What FV holiday are we celebrating here?
What are Tom and Kris doing?
What were these guys working on?
Why was the sanctuary filled with kids here?
What youth event is pictured here?
What event caused Aaron & Tommy to be playing guitar outside?
Which evangelist sat in the congregation for part of his message?
Testimony weekend, Q&A after Suit Up, FV’s 30th birthday,
Mamapalooza (where dad’s had to compete changing diapers and stuff),
Summer Cookout & Carnival, 70 foster kid Summer Kick Off Kits,
ManFest competition fixing stuff, Chilli Cook off, Cookie Contest,
Bonfire Worship Night, we were in 2 community parades, the LAND GOT SOLD
We started an intercessor’s team, and an events planning team! The Cafe got remodeled and that team has expanded significantly.
And so many guest speakers last year! Eran Holt, Jake Kerlin, Tim Bennett, Sam Masteller, Jason from FL…
Christmas Sponsorship: 11 families, 32 kids
Home Groups: 5
Kids
Breakaway: 12
Summer Camp: 13
Youth -
Winter Retreat: 17
Camp: 27
Convention: 21
Baptism: 24
“I’m In” responses: 9
Salvation: 78
Luke 2:19
Luke 9:57-62
Take Heart
Acts 4:29-30
Deut 8:1-5
Even in our wandering, God leads.
Even in our wandering, God teaches.
Even in our wandering, God provides.
Deut 8:4
Psalms 127:3-5
2 Timothy 4:6-8
2 Timothy 1:5-7
1. We have to fan the flames. (train hard)
Identify it. Link in the sermon notes
Thank God for it. (not pine after someone else’s)
And be careful not to get prideful about it
Practice it.
Gifted people still have to practice their craft and study their craft.
2 Timothy 1:13-15
2. We have to carefully guard truth. (no cheating!)
2 Timothy 2:3-7
3. There is no easy route to the finish line. (keep your focus)
2 Timothy 4:1-8
Assimilate Into The Kingdom of Heaven
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
Philippians 1:27-30
Step one to Living a Brighter Life is to assimilate into the Kingdom of Heaven
Now what does it mean to assimilate?
The definition of assimilate is
To take in and understand fully (information, ideas, lifestyle, culture). And then resemble it.
When I think of the word assimilate my mind goes to Ellis Island
Ellis Island was an immigration hub in New York City between 1892-1954
For many immigrants they had to figure it all out on their own. They didn't know anybody. They brought themselves here to a foreign land and culture. And over years and decades of being here they would slowly begin to understand American information, ideas, lifestyle, culture and adopt it for themselves. Resembling and becoming American citizens.
Other immigrants might have been more fortunate. Maybe they had friends or family that had already immigrated so when they came they had someone to guide them and model for them what it was to be an American citizen easing the culture shock and accelerating the assimilation process.
Thats what its like being a Christian
We have a friend in the kingdom
His name is Jesus and he has modeled for us how to live as a citizen of heaven
We’ve been provided a manual, the NT
And we have to continue to take it in and take it in and understand fully the information, ideas and lifestyle modeled for us and presented in this book.
And then we have to apply it, and further resemble the life Christ lived
That is how you assimilate into the Kingdom of Heaven
Change Your Attitude
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
The next step to Living a Brighter Life is to change your attitude!
We have to have the same attitude that Jesus had
This passage gives many examples of how we must examine and change our attitudes
But one word comes up three times in this passage
And two of those times it is used when talking directly about Jesus
Humility isn't just thinking of others as better than yourself, its placing yourself in complete subservience to God
Recognizing God, as the end all be all source of authority in the universe
Not yourself
If you are a prideful person God will make it a point to place himself in opposition to you
He will actively work against you. The Bible tells us God opposes the proud. But he gives grace to the humble.
We cannot afford to be prideful.
We do not get to decide what is right and what is wrong on our own authority
Submit to God’s authority
Change your attitude
Be humble because Jesus was humble
Verses 6-8 tell us “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.”
Jesus was in paradise, He always had been
He never experienced the hurts of this life
Never wanted for anything, quite literally every single thing in existence belonged to him
And he didn't find that as something to cling to
He came down here, to live a live of poverty and die
Just to show how much he loves us
Do you love people like that?
If not that needs to change, because we need to have the same attitude as Christ had
So change your attitude and you will live a brighter life
Work Hard to Display God’s Work
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 2:12-15
The last step to Living a Brighter Life is to Work Hard to Display God’s Work
Work hard to show the results of your salvation
Works in Christianity can be a confusing subject
Afterall were saved by faith not our works, right?
Isn’t this what separates Christianity from other religions?
The thing that separates christianity from every other religion in the world is meritocracy
Meritocracy is a system in which people are chosen based on their demonstrated abilities or worth
Every single major religion on Earth is based off meritocracy
You are accepted and gain the favor of God by being obedient and demonstrating your worth
Except for Christianity
Christianity isn't a meritocracy
God does not give you the gift of faith to believe in him because you did A,B, and C, because you have some sort of useful ability or have demonstrated your worth
Christianity is a religion of Grace
Grace is unmerited favor
Meaning there is nothing in your own power or ability that you can do to earn God’s Grace
Grace is only given and God has chosen to give it
And when we receive the gift of faith and accept Jesus into our life
The Bible says we receive a new heart and a new spirit
The Holy Spirit which is what is being talked about in verse 13
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
We are saved by grace through faith, given a new spirit that does a changing work inside of us
And because of God’s work inside of us we now have the desire to please him which results in good works
So work hard to display God’s work and bring glory to God
And you will live a brighter life
Jesus is the light of the world and he has placed his light inside of each of us. Our lives are now lanterns of bright light that shine into a dark and perverse world
And as we assimilate into the kingdom of heaven, change our attitudes and work hard to display God’s work we become more and more a reflection of Jesus
Our lights become brighter and brighter, reaching out to more and more people trapped in darkness. Bringing the good news, bringing hope, and changing the lives of those around us
This is what it means to Live a Brighter Life
This year make it your goal to live a life that shines brighter. A life that is increasingly more a reflection of Jesus.
1. Good News!
10 The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance.
John 10:10
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.
Ephesians 2:8-10
2. Dont Quit!
“Great men are just ordinary men that didn’t quit.”
- Tommy Barnett
12 I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.
Philippians 3:12-14
57 But let us give thanks to God! He gives us the victory because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done.
58 My dear brothers and sisters, remain strong in the faith. Don’t let anything move you. Always give yourselves completely to the work of the Lord. Because you belong to the Lord, you know that your work is not worthless.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
You Are Not Alone!
3. Its Time
29 He gives strength to those who are tired.
He gives power to those who are weak.
30 Even young people become worn out and get tired.
Even the best of them trip and fall.
31 But those who trust in the Lord
will receive new strength.
They will fly as high as eagles.
They will run and not get tired.
They will walk and not grow weak.
Isaiah 40:29-31
