From God's view, Christmas was an all-out military invasion intent on delivering all people from captivity.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What does that really mean?

During a dark night of the soul, hope is found in the person of your Father God and the certainty of the Story.

The soul was not made for an easy life. The soul was made for an easy burden.

God gave your soul insatiable desire because He is an infinite giver.

God's design is that my choices, thoughts, desires, and behaviors be in perfect harmony, empowered by an unbroken connection with God.

You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe.

Walking With Jesus Week 4 - Our Identity: Joyful Exiles
May 21, 2017 Jim Ladd

The Big Idea: Following Jesus means living as resident aliens in this world, looking forward to being home in the future.

1 Peter 1:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9-12

What is this theme of how to live?
We are EXILES and are to live as FOREIGNERS.
We are RESIDENT ALIENS

Two Implications:
1. We are PILGRIMS
2. We are DIFFERENT but ENGAGED

The Test To Know How You’re Doing (vs. 11-12)
1. Are you winning over your SINFUL DESIRES?
2. Are you living a GOOD LIFE?
3. Are you misunderstood and OFFENSIVE?
4. Are you irresistibly ATTRACTIVE?

What is a good life?
SUBMISSIVE to authority
Living in FREEDOM
RESPECTING everyone
Skilled at experiencing UNJUST SUFFERING

How Do I Get The Power To Do This?
1. Know WHO I am:
2. Know the power of WHOSE I am.
Exodus 24