People's Church

Matthew 27:45–46   From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46  About three in

the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

(which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”.  (NIV)

3 Right Responses When You Feel Abandoned By God

1. Remind yourself God loves you and is with you

Hebrews 13:5   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (NIV)

1. Because God is with you, you’re not alone

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with

you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

2. Because God is with you, take your hard questions to God

Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings

we do, yet he did not sin. 16  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive

his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)

3. Because God is with you, this season is a part of your story not the entire story

1 Corinthians 13:12   For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I

shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

2. Turn why God? Into What God?

1. Ask God what do you want to teach me?

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

2. Ask God what do you want to do in me?

2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from

becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)

3. Ask God what do you want to do through me?

Hebrews 12:2 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. (NIV)

3. When you can’t trace God’s hand trust God’s heart

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had

said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so

through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5,"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you,"

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. (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for

disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or

think, according to the power that works in us,  (KJV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His

eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (ESV)

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

(NIV)

Romans 8:32 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? (NIV)

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never

fail. 23  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

Matthew 27:45–46   From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46  About three in

the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

(which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”.  (NIV)

3 Right Responses When You Feel Abandoned By God

1. Remind yourself God loves you and is with you

Hebrews 13:5   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (NIV)

1. Because God is with you, you’re not alone

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with

you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

2. Because God is with you, take your hard questions to God

Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings

we do, yet he did not sin. 16  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive

his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)

3. Because God is with you, this season is a part of your story not the entire story

1 Corinthians 13:12   For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I

shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

2. Turn why God? Into What God?

1. Ask God what do you want to teach me?

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

2. Ask God what do you want to do in me?

2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from

becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)

3. Ask God what do you want to do through me?

Hebrews 12:2 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. (NIV)

3. When you can’t trace God’s hand trust God’s heart

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had

said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so

through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5,"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you,"

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. (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for

disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or

think, according to the power that works in us,  (KJV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His

eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (ESV)

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

(NIV)

Romans 8:32 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? (NIV)

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never

fail. 23  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

John 19:25-27 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister,

Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother

standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, Dear woman, here is

your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is your mother. And from then on this

disciple took her into his home. (NLT)

When you’re having a bad day, you can either breakdown or bounce back.

1 John 2:5-6 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love

him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God

should live their lives as Jesus. (NLT)

John 19:26-27 Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he

said to her, Dear woman, here is your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is

your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (NLT)

John 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring

for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

(NLT)

Jesus on his bad day could have focused on his pain – but he chose to show love to

his family.

John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave them the right to

become children of God. (NLT)

Love when you don’t’ feel like it.

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your

heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.

A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. (NLT)

1. WE LOVE BIG.

we don’t fight back we love back.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or

proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no

record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever

the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and

endures through every circumstance. (NLT)

1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love

(NLT)

1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for

love covers a multitude of sins. (NLT)

Romans 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in

honoring each other. (NLT)

Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making

allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)

John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my

disciples. (NLT)

2. WE GIVE BACK.

When you give back it will help you bounce back.

John 3:16-17 For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only

Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God

sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through

him. (NLT)

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need

by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more

blessed to give than to receive (NLT)

Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will

themselves be refreshed. (NLT)

Helping others, helps you.

Luke 10:37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy, Then Jesus said,

“Yes, now go and do the same. (NLT)

Your bounce back can come from helping others.

3. WE DON’T’ GIVE UP.

John 19:25-27 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister,

Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother

standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, Dear woman, here is

your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is your mother. And from then on this

disciple took her into his home. (NLT)

When you’re having a bad day, you can either breakdown or bounce back.

1 John 2:5-6 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love

him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God

should live their lives as Jesus. (NLT)

John 19:26-27 Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he

said to her, Dear woman, here is your son. And he said to this disciple, Here is

your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (NLT)

John 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring

for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

(NLT)

Jesus on his bad day could have focused on his pain – but he chose to show love to

his family.

John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave them the right to

become children of God. (NLT)

Love when you don’t’ feel like it.

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your

heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.

A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. (NLT)

1. WE LOVE BIG.

we don’t fight back we love back.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or

proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no

record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever

the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and

endures through every circumstance. (NLT)

1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love

(NLT)

1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for

love covers a multitude of sins. (NLT)

Romans 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in

honoring each other. (NLT)

Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making

allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)

John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my

disciples. (NLT)

2. WE GIVE BACK.

When you give back it will help you bounce back.

John 3:16-17 For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only

Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God

sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through

him. (NLT)

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need

by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more

blessed to give than to receive (NLT)

Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will

themselves be refreshed. (NLT)

Helping others, helps you.

Luke 10:37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy, Then Jesus said,

“Yes, now go and do the same. (NLT)

Your bounce back can come from helping others.

3. WE DON’T’ GIVE UP.

Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) 39  One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you

the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40  But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under thesame sentence?  41  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But thisman has done nothing wrong.” 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I want to show you three things we can learn from this statement from Jesus’ final words.

Three things that if we do them, they help us to get through a bad day.

1. Remember why you’re still here. 

Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

2. Think Long term

Luke 23:43 (NIV) 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Psalm 30:5 (NIV) Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

James 4:14 (NIV) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then

vanishes. 

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes

judgment

Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) 27-28  Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death

was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever.

3. Make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) 15  So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who

are wise…  16  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) 39  One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you

the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40  But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under thesame sentence?  41  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But thisman has done nothing wrong.” 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I want to show you three things we can learn from this statement from Jesus’ final words.

Three things that if we do them, they help us to get through a bad day.

1. Remember why you’re still here. 

Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

2. Think Long term

Luke 23:43 (NIV) 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Psalm 30:5 (NIV) Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

James 4:14 (NIV) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then

vanishes. 

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes

judgment

Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) 27-28  Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death

was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever.

3. Make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) 15  So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who

are wise…  16  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

1. Betrayal

2. False accusations

3. Rejection

4. Abuse

5. Humiliation

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided

up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)

4 Things Forgiveness Is Not

1. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did

2. Forgiveness is not reconciliation

3. Forgiveness is not about doing what's fair

4. Forgiveness is not impossible

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

4 Forgiveness Lessons from Jesus

1. Pray for them

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

2. Bless them

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)

3. Do good to them

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)

Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get

anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is

kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV)

Romans 12:17–21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of

everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge,

my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will

repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him

something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  21  Do not be overcome by

evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

4. Do good to you

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also

forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)

1. Betrayal

2. False accusations

3. Rejection

4. Abuse

5. Humiliation

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided

up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)

4 Things Forgiveness Is Not

1. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did

2. Forgiveness is not reconciliation

3. Forgiveness is not about doing what's fair

4. Forgiveness is not impossible

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

4 Forgiveness Lessons from Jesus

1. Pray for them

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

2. Bless them

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)

3. Do good to them

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)

Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get

anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is

kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV)

Romans 12:17–21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of

everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge,

my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will

repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him

something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  21  Do not be overcome by

evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

4. Do good to you

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also

forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the

prize? So run to win! NLT

Ecclesiastes - 5:18-19 – 18  Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for

people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given

them, and to accept their lot in life.  19  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the

good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from

God. NLT

Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

2  By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he

rested from all his work.  3  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he

rested from all the work of creating that he had done. NIV

Genesis 2:15 - The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and

take care of it.  NIV

Genesis 2:19-20 - Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all

the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and

whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  20  So the man gave names to all

the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. NIV

3 Keys to Winning at Work

1. See your career as your calling.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which

God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV

Psalm 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. NIV

2. See your work as worship.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,

not for human masters,  24  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a

reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

3. See your workplace as your mission field.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  Nor do

people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the

house.  16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that [a]  they may see your good

works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the

prize? So run to win! NLT

Ecclesiastes - 5:18-19 – 18  Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for

people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given

them, and to accept their lot in life.  19  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the

good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from

God. NLT

Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

2  By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he

rested from all his work.  3  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he

rested from all the work of creating that he had done. NIV

Genesis 2:15 - The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and

take care of it.  NIV

Genesis 2:19-20 - Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all

the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and

whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  20  So the man gave names to all

the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. NIV

3 Keys to Winning at Work

1. See your career as your calling.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which

God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV

Psalm 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. NIV

2. See your work as worship.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,

not for human masters,  24  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a

reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

3. See your workplace as your mission field.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  Nor do

people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the

house.  16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that [a]  they may see your good

works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)