https://youtu.be/PiznHI8zAZU?si=-8t4BVtLFPCel7dX

Chill Christmas - 4 - How to Make A Moment

Chill Christmas Bumper?

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Chill Christmas Title

 

Christmas is upon us!We are in the FINAL week of our message Series – Chill Christmas.

 

Last week we talked about…

 

Rediscovering Simple Fun – through Joy!

 

Life is complex, but Joy is simple

 

In this series we have lit the candles of HOPE, PEACE, & JOY.

Now we light the candle of Love.

 

Today – How to make a moment

 

I remember a Christmas Eve where Sarah and I were doing a Christmas Eve worship service.

 

Beautiful Ambiance… Music… Spiritual moment… Candlelight

 

It was PERFECT!

 

But then the Service ended…

 

-No food ready at home…-Search for restaurant – Closed!

-Only Chinese food (Packed out)

 

Kids – Dad what are we going to do?Extended family with us…

 

We had a PERFECT Christmas Eve service…

But our Christmas Eve was complicated.

Thankfully Sarah saved the day with a traditional Christmas Spaghetti!

 

Perfection

We know this season is driven by an idea of perfection.

 

Scrolling through Instagram… perfect Christmas photos. Perfect tree. Perfect family. Perfect matching pajamas. Perfect everything.

 

Your life – NOT PERFECT.-Christmas tree - dent where the cat attacked it -Your kids are fighting because – they are awake. (Fight Club)

-Turkey is dry again…-Thoughts “How do I return whatever ugly sweater I get as a gift.”

 

We are chasing perfection… but this world is anything but perfect.

 

You know the stats… debt, divorce, depression.You’ve seen the news… We have no idea what the drones are!

 

We have REAL HARDSHIPS in our life…THIS WEEK, some of you have… Hospital…Job problems…

Anxious & freaking out…

 

Trying to manufacture perfect moments in the middle of an imperfect world is exhausting.

 

The first Christmas – it wasn't perfect. Not even close.

 

Luke 2:7 "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

 

Let that sink in.

 

The most important moment in human history – and He did it in a stable. No place to stay…

 

Cloths… Swaddling clothes… STRIPS OF CLOTH (No onesie – Baby’s First Christmas)

 

No perfect conditions… but WHAT A MOMENT!

 

The moment marked… not by what they DID NOT have… but what they did have.

 

Love made the moment

God didn't wait for perfect conditions to show perfect love. He didn't say, "Let me wait until humanity gets its act together." No, He stepped right into our mess. Our chaos. Our imperfection.

Perfection did not make the moment…

Love made the moment…

 

Yeah yeah… God’s love… but Chris… Easy for God… difficult for people in the real world…

 

Let’s not talk about God for a moment…

 

Let’s talk about Joseph….Mary, Joseph, Jesus

 

Joseph is engaged to Mary!Life gets complicated – Mary becomes pregnant!

 

Not what Joseph signed up for…Joseph continues to love Mary. How do we know?He chooses to trust God and to not divorce Mary.

Love made the moment…

 

Joseph has a son that is not technically his…Complicated…Joseph loved Jesus… How do we know?#1 It appears Joseph adopts Jesus. Matthew gives us the lineage of Jesus through his adopted father – Joseph.

 

#2Do you know Joseph’s profession? Carpenter. Same as Jesus’ profession.Joseph JesusJoseph loved Jesus enough to share wisdom.Jesus loved Joseph enough to receive wisdom.

 

What an amazing example for our families.Parents & Kids listen up!LOVE ENOUGH to give wisdom.LOVE ENOUGH to receive wisdom.

 

Life was NOT PERFECT for Joseph…

But Love Made the MomentLove made the moment

 

So what does this mean for you?

 

Stop waiting for perfect conditions… Create meaningful moments with Love.

Love is what makes the moment.

 

Complication does not have to derail the significance of the season.

 

Instead, try these three things:

1. Check your motivation - LOVE

   - Before you plan anything this holiday season,

https://youtu.be/MDRGUjj0_bM?si=0hRLL_oO2Jw95gcu

Chill Christmas - 3 - Rediscover Simple Fun

Chill Christmas Bumper?

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Merry Christmas.

Chill Christmas Title

 

We are in the 3rd week of our message Series – Chill Christmas.

 

Last week we talked about…

 

How to Navigate Holiday Chaos - Peace

 

Rethink Peace – NOT LACK OF WAR

-WHOLENESS

Jesus is either A PIECE of your life, or…Jesus is THE PEACE of your life.

Focus on WHOLENESS

 

In this series we have lit the candles of HOPE & PEACE.

 

Now we light the candle of Joy.

 

Today – Rediscover Simple Fun

 

The world is awfully complicated.Just this week –

The shooter was found! (Luigi Mangione)

Health Insurance CEO killed…

 

Shocking questions…

“Is murder ok if we don’t like the guy that was killed?”

 

What will happen this week in the news?IDK, But I bet it is complicated.

 

Israel, Palestine – complicated.Immigration changes – complicated.

Personal life is complicated…

Health is complicated…

Your career, hopes & dreams… 

 

With all this complication… Merry Christmas?

 

Can you imagine a world that is not complicated?

Can you imagine a world with joy?

 

(Me)

Fisher Price Crazy Combo Horn Set

Uncomplicated toy… Plastic, no battery, no app, no monthly subscription

 

Opened this on Christmas… AWESOME!HOWEVER, I had received this toy months earlier… Not disappointed.

 

Like receiving the gift all over again.

(We)

I bet you have a Christmas memory like this…

 

-Simple-Happy & Fun

I bet it also feels distant… long time ago.

 

Growing up, we've somehow transformed Christmas from a moment of pure wonder to a complex algorithm of expectation, performance, and exhaustion.

 

Statistics…

- 2/3 report major stress.

- Spending! Over 1k per person avg.

- Police - Domestic disputes spike 35%

- Divorce rates increase

 

We've traded joy for stress & celebration for complication.

 

If only there was a different way…

 

Let's go back to the original Christmas story.

 

In Luke 2 – Shepherds working night shiftBoom – Angel! God’s Glory!

 

Luke 2:10-11 …the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

 

Notice something? Joy wasn't complex.

 

Good news was announced.

It CAUSED GREAT JOY.

 

Joy here is simple.

 

Life is complex, but Joy is simple

 

Life for the shepherds was complex…No respect…  oddball profession

All of Israel – Tyrannical Roman government

 

Religion was complex… Different groups believed different things… Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes…

 

Life is complex… but the good news that causes joy is simple.

 

…A savior has been born……And He is nearby…

 

Then more Angels show up… They sing… Wow

 

Luke 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

What amazing news!A savior in Bethlehem… not that far away…

“Let’s go…”

 

Simple… They hear the message and go to experience it…

 

Luke 2:16-18 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

 

Now they are sharing the message and spreading Joy.

 

3 lessons of Joy#1 Joy is CAUSED

The Angels said the good news will CAUSE great joy to all people.

 

Joy does not just happen… something causes it.

 

What causes joy?WHO causes your joy? (TELL THEM)

#2 Joy is PRESENCE, not Presents

 

The presence of a savior…

 

When the angel announced Jesus's birth, it wasn't about:

- Perfect decorations

- Expensive gifts

- Flawless family photos

- Instagram-worthy moments

 

We need to value PRESENCE.

-The presence of the Savior.-The presence of our family and friends.

 

Gifts are good… people are better.

https://youtu.be/zf410_hZWe8?si=WJ-KX3X6QY9ht6tm

Chill Christmas - 2 - Navigating Holiday Chaos

Chill Christmas Bumper?

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Merry Christmas!

Chill Christmas Title

 

We are in the 2nd week of our message Series – Chill Christmas.

 

Last week we told you…

 

DO NOT breathe life into traditions…Choose traditions that breathe life into you.

 

We talked about the hope that lights up dark times.

 

Today I want to talk to you about Navigating Holiday Chaos.

 

Navigating Holiday Chaos

 

Is your schedule chaotic?Thank you for being here today…

 

Which picture does your family look like?Family Picture

 

Which picture do you feel like?

 

Is this a peaceful time? …and why not?World: Constantly at war.In 2024 -56 ongoing national conflicts.-involving 92 nations.Last year- 162,000 war deathsThis year's numbers will be similar.

Even stable democratic nations like South Korea are lacking peace. This week that National government experienced a coup, and declared martial law.

 

Here in the US we are not at peace.No “weapons live” active war… but lacking peace.

 

-Political divide (Holiday withdraw)-Relationship struggles

-$$$ - “The average American is expected to spend $1,778 per person.” (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/holiday-spending-forecast/)-Youth – School & social media – NO ONE FITS IN – BULLY ONE ANOTHER.

-Mental & physical health

 

Family Picture

Chances are good that you are not the peaceful family in this picture…

 

Chances are you are stressed out, burned out, and feeling left out.

 

And yet the Bible says this about the Christmas season…

 

Luke 2:1413 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 

Other translations “Peace on Earth, Good will to men.”

 

Christmas should be marked with Peace… but what exactly does that mean?

 

Does peace mean…-No chaos?-No more wars?-No more $$ problems?

-No more relationship struggles?

 

PEACE does not mean any of this. News to you? 

Rethink Peace 

At the Birth of Jesus the Angel’s declared “PEACE ON EARTH…”  BUT the the world Jesus was born into was not perfect… but broken. 

There was still chaos……darkness…wars…murder & death…poverty…relationship issues 

Let’s rethink peace.Peace does NOT mean problem free

 

Even though the Light of Jesus came… still evil and darkness.

Jesus was born in the middle of a war torn nation, under the occupation of a brutal empire called Rome.Jesus was born, and a self made “king” Herod started killing all the young boys in order to protect his power.

 

Jesus was born, and yet still poverty was around… and racism… and prejudice… and sexism…

 

Jesus was born and his mother Mary was still thought of scandalously because of the miraculous birth.

 

Let’s rethink peace.

You can have problems and still have peace.

 

This is why the angel declared peace in the middle of chaos.

 

 

What is peace?How do you define it?What if our definition is differently from God’s definition?

 

Shalom (šālôm) - Completeness

 

Peace is most often used to convey Completeness… wholeness… not lacking…

 

That is probably a different definition for us.That is likely the definition we need.

 

Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

When we call Jesus our PRINCE OF PEACE… we are saying that He is the ruler, the authority, the leader… that makes us whole and complete.

 

This season is not PEACEFUL because we are always looking for one more thing…

 

Imagine if we could say and truly mean that we have EVERYTHING WE NEED. That would be peaceful. Not chaotic.

 

This is why Jesus came. He came to provide EVERYTHING you need.

His life and example showed that He was always providing everything people needed.

https://youtu.be/0JpHpaZ24f0?si=m1MlM_P2mwEXrvyM

Chill Christmas - 1 - How to Light Up Dark Times

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Have you ever felt like the holiday season was more stressful than joyful?

 

Our traditions ought to serve us…But we may feel like our traditions have become a burden.

 

The tree… the good/the bad

The gifts…

The perfect day…

The full schedule…

 

Christmas traditions stressing you?Make new traditions.

DO NOT breathe life into traditions…Choose traditions that breathe life into you.

 

Inventory your Christmas traditions this season.

 

Chill Christmas Title

 

Our Message series is called…

 

Chill Christmas – Crafting your holiday vibes.

 

Series Outline

Dec 8 - Navigating Holiday Chaos

 Crazy time of the year – Need PEACE

Dec 15 - Rediscover Simple Fun

 NOT fun – Rediscover the Joy

Dec 22 - How to make a moment

Left with wrapping paper trash and  empty feelings? Better option. Filled with Love.

Today – How to Light Up Dark Times

 

 

We live in dark times.

 

World stage - World War III

US – Anxiety epidemic.20% experienced anxiety disorder this year.…Female more likely…younger more likely

(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder)

Anxiety Reasons?-Disconnection-Social pressure-Uncertainty-Financial stress

-Poor habits (Sleep habits)

Compare your Christmas Traditions to this list…Is it possible we are…-less connected to family, friends, and God?-Social pressure of the perfect… Decor, Instagram Pics-Social pressure of the busy… FULL CALENDAR-Less certain… new year… many are weighing divorce. (January #1 divorce month)-$$$ Stress – pressure to provide = debt

 

-Holidays kill diets.  Poor sleep  

 

 

Review… This Christmas is…WW3 FearsAnxiety on steroids

 

Are we even enjoying the season?Is the season amplifying our struggle

 

Can you relate? The Ideal vs The Real

What is ideal?

Images of perfect familyLavish gifts (Car with bow, Jewelry) Non-stop celebration

 

What is reality?

Crazy kids out of schoolPacked stores and bad trafficLoneliness – loss of loved one The gap between IDEAL & REAL leaves us feeling hopeless and lost in the dark.

God wants us to know something…

 

The very first Christmas wasn't ideal.

Anxiety Reasons? THE 1ST CHRISTMAS-Disconnection-Social pressure-Uncertainty-Financial stress

-Poor habits (Sleep habits)

 

Not a mistake… but prophecy… Isaiah prophesied.Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

We read and sing this verse often…

Check out four verses earlier…Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

 

Dark times do not ruin Christmas.It is because of Dark Times we need a Christmas!

 

(Christ Mass – a Jesus celebration)

 

People walking in darkness have seen what?

A new iPad?A fancy tree?No! The people walking in darkness saw A GREAT LIGHT.ONLY ONE EVENT could fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah.

 

Only the birth of God’s Son Jesus… the light of the world could push back on the darkness.

One of Jesus’ disciples described Jesus like this…John 1:4-5 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness…

 

John refers to Jesus as a light in darkness.

 

Where did John get this description??From Jesus Himself!

 

John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

 

Do you believe Jesus is the light that shines in dark times?

 

If so… then why wouldn’t you focus on Jesus to light up your dark times?

 

Leave it to silly humans…We take a season about Jesus… and spend all our time and energy anxiously doing this…

 

Anxiety Reasons?-Disconnection-Social pressure-Uncertainty-Financial stress

-Poor habits (Sleep habits)

https://youtu.be/gZ5DL5HHkwc?si=PLu6I1YAVAVIpybX

 

What’s Right with You - 4 - Bring Out the Best in Others

**WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU Bumper

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

We are in the Good News Business.

 

What’s right with you (Title)

Not – What’s wrong with you.

 

Last week we challenged you to achieve expert level success. -Stop trying be decent at everything and become exceptional at one thing.

 

Today – Bring out the best in others.

 

I used to think leadership was all about me. -My strengths, my talents, my purpose, my success…

-As a pastor – my sermon…I'd work tirelessly to improve myself, thinking that was the key to success.

 

I did improve… but was that really success?I couldn’t help but feel I was missing something.--

 

How many of us have felt that way?

 

What does that look like for you?Focused on…Your… career, skills, project, promotion, business, health…

We improve… but still it feels like we may be missing something.

 

Something we weren’t told about in college, seminary, business school…

 

Self-improvement is valuable, but not enough…

 

So what is missing?

 

 

Jesus shows us…Think about the leadership of Jesus.

 

Jesus does NOT just put his talents, strengths, and gifts on showcase.

 

Jesus focuses on the gifts and growth of others, and puts them on display.

 

"I'm just trying to figure out my own life. How am I supposed to worry about others?" Or perhaps you've felt inadequate… “Chris, I am not leadership material…”As followers of Jesus, we're all called to be leaders.True leadership isn't just showcasing our growing own talents - it's about recognizing and nurturing the gifts in others.

 

Jesus examples:

 

Matthew 4:19 - “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

John 1:42 - And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter/rock).

 

Jesus sees NEW & TRUE potential in others.

Not just fishermen… I see you influencing people.That would be like Jesus telling you…

I don’t just see you in your current job… I see you in a promoted position.

 

Not just Simon… a new name – Peter.That would be like Jesus telling you…I don’t define you by what others have called you… I have a new identity for you.

 

Jesus sees New & True potential in us.

 

We should be more like Jesus.

 

Do we see New & True potential in others?

 

Followers of Jesus, we should see others differently.

 

A great story in the book of Acts… Barnabas

 

Barnabas known for…-Loving God.-Generous giver-Encourager (name - son of encouragement)

Perhaps Baranas’ most important accomplishment is what happens in Acts 9…

 

In Acts 9… There was a murderer… did bad things… BUT THIS MURDERER had found the grace of Jesus.

 

The Church, the people, the leaders… did not trust this new convert because of his past.

 

Acts 9:26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 

Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.

 

Who was this guy Barnabas brought?Paul

 

-Paul wrote 13 books in your Bible.-Paul carried the Gospel – new nations people groups

 

We would have missed out… People were NOT AWARE of the NEW & TRUE potential… but Barnabas was aware.

 

Are we aware?Here is an AWARENESS TEST

 

How many counted the correct amount…?How many missed the moonwalking bear?

 

How can miss something so obvious?We are distracted…

 

Do we see New & True potential in others?

 

What is it that distracts us? What is our big dancing bear that we may not be focused on?

 

What is the obvious thing that we are missing?

 

Discipleship – helping others realize their NEW & TRUE potential.

Discipleship is a concept from Jesus.

It works in both sacred and secular contexts… so listen up.

 

Discipleship is our dancing bear… somehow we are missing it.

 

Jesus multiple times commands his followers to MAKE DISCIPLES.

https://youtu.be/sVFaWrHLtyw?si=zxAQk-XypEtl7qPA

What’s Right with You - 3 - Expert Level Success

**WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU Bumper

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

We are in the Good News Business.

 

What’s right with you

Not – What’s wrong with you.

 

Last week we looked at Timmy’s report card and decided to shift our focus from weakness to strength.

 

Today – Expert Level Success

 

Me:

You know, for years I thought success was about being good at everything… Read self-help books Attend seminarsWatch every TED talk…

Improve…

 

It was exhausting.

I was spreading myself thin, trying to be a jack-of-all-trades… but a master of none.Lightbulb moment - I was so busy trying to be decent at everything, I wasn't giving myself the chance to be exceptional at anything.

 

It was like I was trying to play every instrument in the orchestra instead of mastering the one I was meant to play.

 

WE:

I bet you can relate. We live in a world obsessed with success.

 

Social media bombards us with highlight reels of people's lives. We're constantly comparing ourselves, wondering why we're not as successful as the next person.

 

They are good at… cooking – I’ll try to be like that.home keeping – 

Style & fitness – Automotive repair – A decent man would be able fix up his car!

Under-water basketweaving – I'd like to give that a shot.

77% of millennials (25 to 39-year-olds) 83% of Gen Z (16 to 24-year-olds) feel pressure to reach traditional life milestones earlier than previous generations.

 

This is the thought at work…

I have to be good at all the things…I have to accomplish all the things…If I don’t, I am unhappy, unfulfilled, a failure…

It's exhausting!

But what if I told you… The key to success isn't about fixing what's wrong with you, but maximizing what's right with you?

 

Success is not become better at all the things…Success is becoming an expert at the unique strengths God has invested in you.

 

GOD:

Let's look at a success story from the Bible – Joseph.

 

JosephFancy Coat and Big Dreams

 

Son of Israel/Jacob

Gift from his Dad - coat of many colors.

Gift from God – Spiritual Dreams & AdministrationHis gifts did not make him popular with his brothers.

In fact, it landed him in a pit and then sold into slavery.

 

Pit

 

God’s plan for us is sometimes scary.

 

Joseph is sold into slavery to a man named Potiphar.

 

Pit -> Potiphar

 

God’s gifting is still at work.Potiphar notices… and puts Joseph in charge of his household. (Genesis 39:4)

 

Administrative gifting. Manages the house.

 

BUT Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of sexual assault- wrongfully by the way.

Pit -> Potiphar -> Prison

 

God’s plan for us is sometimes scary.

 

But God’s gifting is still at work.

 

The warden of the Prison notices… puts Joseph in charge of managing the prison. (Genesis 39:22)

 

In the prison Joseph gets better at his gifts…He went from managing a household to managing an entire prison organization.He went from having dreams to interpreting the dreams of others. (The cupbearer and baker – Genesis 40)

 

No matter the hardship… his gifting causes Joseph to rise.

 

Your gifts still work in hard times

 

This is a hard time… what should I do?USE YOUR GIFTS!The economy is rough… what should I do?

USE YOUR GIFTS!My new boss hates me… what should I do?USE YOUR GIFTS!I don’t fit in at school… what should I do?USE YOUR GIFTS!

 

Use your gifts, and become an expert at your gift.

 

– Pharaoh has a dream.

None of Pharaoh’s wisemen and magicians can Genesis 41 interpret the dream…

 

The cupbearer says… I know a guy named Joseph.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams. Not just give a vague interpretation; he provides a detailed analysis and a strategic plan.

 

This plan will cause…

Pharaoh to grow to be the wealthiest person in the world.

Solve a regional disaster of a famine.

Save countless lives – including the lives of his brothers who threw him into a pit!

 

Joseph does not return to the prison…

https://youtu.be/9QfYVexn9Dw?si=W7_JU2FsEme2yUFF

What’s Right with You - 2 - Shift From Weakness to Strength

**WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU Bumper

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano, TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

We are in the Good News Business.

 

What’s right with you (Title)

Not – What’s wrong with you.

 

Studies show…

People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs and three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

 

God uniquely created you to be different and to make a difference.

 

Today – Shift from Weakness to Strength

We must KNOW our strengths…

We must FOCUS on strengths…

 

See strength.Not focus on flaws.

 

Timmy’s Report Card

What subject will we encourage Timmy to focus on?

 

Science – Timmy almost failed. We must spend more time on science.

 

English – A little more work and you will raise that to an “A.”

 

Teachers and parents are focused on the flaws…

 

Timmy learns to focus on flaws.

 

What about Timmy’s strengths?

Our education system is not focused on increasing strength, but mitigating weakness.

 

What about your report card…?

How many of you are focused on your weaknesses? …feel like you're just not good enough?

 

The Weakness Trap – Fix Focus

 

Our culture - obsessed with fixing what's broken.

 

Self-help industry - $10 billion market in the U.S. alone. Advertisements bombard us - the message, how we need to improve, change, and fix ourselves.

 

-Cover blemishes with this makeup…-Wear this automatic AB BUILDER EXTREME belt… turn your gut into extreme abs.

-Hey loser – you have this problem… but our product.

On the job – are you focused on strength or weakness?

 

Think of your last staff meeting… 

It is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease…The friction is where our attention and resource is focused.

 

What keeps you up at night? Thinking about weakness or strength?

 

In the family home – Mom and Dad what was your last conversation about? Probably a problem…

 

Here's the thing: Jesus never told us to obsess over our weaknesses.

 

Matthew 25 “Parable of the Talents.”

 

Talent (Greek - talanton) - Worth about 20 years of a day laborer’s wage.

 

A master gives 3 servants talanton – bags of money.

 

Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

 

Why? The master wanted them to invest and increase. Fruitful & multiply.

 

How did the master decide who to give what?

 

“Each according to his ability.”

The decision was made according to STRENGTHS… not weakness.

 

What can we learn from this?

 

The master (God/Jesus) gave each according to ability.

 

-EACH: each one of us has received treasure from God.

 

-God distributes - Not everyone receives the same amount, and that is okay.

 

-God focuses on your strengths and “hires” you to work your strengths.

 

-God invests in your strengths and expects increase.

 

The servant with 5 talent bags of money – doubled the investment. They used their strengths to increase.

 

The servant with 2 talent bags of money – doubled the investment. They used their strengths to increase.

 

BUT the servant with 1 talent bag of money – buried the talent bag of money in the ground.

 

What does God think of us this?

 

Verse 26: “You wicked and lazy servant!”

 

God knew the ABILITY of this servant…The Servant did not use their ability.The Servant focused on weakness…

 

Are you using your ability?

Are you burying your strengths?Are you focused on your weakness?

 

Strength Shift

 

God knows your abilities.He created your abilities. 

Your abilities are your God-given design.

 

Psalm 139:14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

 

You are wonderfully made, right now.

NOT…

-when you get stronger.

-when you fix your flaws.

-when you accomplish some metric.

 

RIGHT NOW!

 

It is praise to God when you use your God-given strengths.

https://youtu.be/3q8JsM8m53E?si=9YZ6clnRD-D_RoZ9

What’s Right with You - 1 - Discover Your Gifts and Win

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano, TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

From 1950 – 1953 – THE Korean War was fought.

 

Korean War US POWS

 

The deadliest prisoner of war camps in US military history.

 

38% mortality rate.

 

What makes this statistic so hard to fathom is that on the whole, POW's were provided with adequate food, water and shelter and for the most part were not subjected to physical torture so prevalent in previous wars.

-Captain Tim Wilson

(https://www.302aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/191174/the-prison-of-hopelessness/)

These brave soldiers did not die from physical warfare... but psychological warfare.

 

A Prison of Hopelessness: Nothing but bad news

-Informing: Erode relationships and trust.

-Extreme self-criticism: Small groups, confess all failures, and the good left undone.-Withhold all good news. Good letters from home were withheld. Bad letters from home were delivered immediately. (Divorce papers, death of a family member, BILLS)

“It was not unusual for a soldier to wander into his hut, go into a corner alone, sit down, pull a blanket over his head and within days he would be dead.”

The enemies operated in the realm of bad news.

We are in the Good News business.

Over the next 4 weeks we are going to focus on Good News about you and for you.

What’s right with you

Not – What’s wrong with you.

What’s RIGHT with you.

Good news – God has uniquely created you to do great things in the world. You have unlimited potential.

Series outline

November 10 - Shift from Weakness to Strength (Choosing to use your strengths, instead of focusing on failures)

November 17 - Expert Level Success (Become a respected authority – rising above average)

November 24 - Bring out the best in others (Become the leader who lifts others… sees strength in others)

PLAN TO BE HERE – WE ARE INVESTING IN YOU!

Today – Discover Your Gifts & Win!

Have you ever felt like you're just not good enough? Studies show that 85% of people struggle with low self-esteem at some point in their life.

Cause – focus on weakness.We are focused on WHAT’S WRONG…

Let’s change that. Focus on WHAT’S RIGHT…

The Strength Revolution

What if we saw our strengths, instead of fixating on our flaws?

Studies show…

People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs and three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

Your life can be radically different – change your focus.

God is focused on your Unique Gifts

You have gifts from God.

Your gifts are unique.

Gifting from God

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.

You are created to do good works.Prepared in advance – before God created you, he created the good work for you to do.

Unique gifts…

It is GREAT to be different.

1 Corinthians 12:4-64 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

It is GREAT to be different.

The same God has made us all DIFFERENT.

Your job isn't to become someone else; it's to become the best version of you.

God uniquely created you to be different and to make a difference.

Get rid of comparisons…

“I can’t do what you do…”“They are better than me…”

God did not create you to be like them… Be You! Stand out!

Resist the urge to copy… break the mold.

Don Clifton – Strength Finders test

32 areas of gifting and strength.Focus on your top 5 gifts.

Top 5 gifts – 1 in 32,000 chance of duplicating results.

Impossible to duplicate how you use your gifts.

Even if we had the same areas of gifting, and worked in the same trade, we would bring unique personality and experiences to the work.

Give yourself permission to be different.

https://youtu.be/Sf04z6hh7FA?si=EY0mImcBjLjptfuf

Taking Hatred Head-on - 4 - Restoring What Hatred Broke

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano TX. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Hatred Head On

 

Hatred is widespreadHigh Cost.Fight Hatred with Peace

 

ME

I have felt the sting of betrayal?

 

I remember a time when people I trusted deeply let me down…

I was 20 years old… working in a church…

 

Intense hurt – cut them off…Revenge thoughts… Dark

I almost gave up on my ministry calling…

 

WE:Been there? Anger and resentment take root, and you think, "They don't deserve my kindness."

“They deserve my worst…”

 

-Marriage misunderstanding-Harsh words from a friend -Broken trustAftermath… isolated and hurt.

 

The world’s game plan…retaliate, revenge, to cut ties, or to hold grudges.

 

Deep down, we know that this approach doesn't heal our wounds; it only deepens them.

 

What if there's a different way to respond?

Restoring what Hatred Broke

There is an alternative to remaining in the wreckage of hatred.

 

GOD: What would God’s alternative look like?

 

Matthew 5:43-44

Jesus is preaching his most famous sermon – the sermon on the mount.

Matthew 5:43-44

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

 

There are natural instincts…You hate me… I hate you.You hit me… I hit you.You hurt me… I hurt you.

 

Notice what Jesus does here…Jesus commands & challenges us to rise above our natural instincts.

 

Jesus points at our enemy and says…Love themPray for them

 

Not popular…Difficult…Kind of annoying Jesus…

 

Here are the proceeding verses….

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

 

Eye for an eye… Tooth for tooth…(Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21)This is reference to the laws found in the Old Testament. If someone hurt your eye, you had a legal right to hurt them back.

 

This principle in the Old Testament law was a guideline for proportional justice, ensuring that punishments fit the crime without allowing for excessive retaliation.

 

Jesus offers the alternative of grace over the mechanism of retaliation. (Matthew 5:38-44)

 

Jesus offers an alternative eye for eye, tooth for tooth… Do we reject his alternative?

It's not about… ignoring the hurt or remaining in abuse…but choosing to respond with love instead of hate.

 

The brokenness of hatred is all about retaliation.Jesus gives an alternative that leads to reconciliation.

 

Reconciliation - The process of restoring broken relationships

 

Jesus gives us a clear path for reconciliation in Matthew 18:15.

Matthew 18:15: If your brother or sister sins *against you*, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

 

Notice:

“If they SIN AGAINST YOU.”

NOT they annoy you… looked at you funny… didn’t invite you to a party.

BUT THEY SIN AGAINST YOU! Lie, Steal, Harm, Kill you…

A lot of conflict is personality conflict that we should not escalate.

If they did not SIN against you… the problem is YOU!

Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.

Direct communication. Do not text.

No gossip.

Talk to THEM only! This is grace!

“If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

The goal of conflict is to regain who was lost; a Brother or Sister.Reconciliation, Not Retaliation

 

Quick pattern study from your Bible…(Spouse) Adam & Eve conflict (Gen 3) – Blame & Shame – Difficult to reconcile.(Sibling) Cain & Able conflict (Gen 4) – Revenge and murder – became impossible to reconcile.

https://youtu.be/sxe59pYQxik?si=a3eUPt19p0OAtBdv

Taking Hatred Head-on - 3 - How to fight Hatred as a Peacemaker

Taking Hatred Head-On Bumper

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Hatred Head On

 

Hatred is widespread.-in our heart.

Hatred has a high cost.-wrecks our health, mind, relationships.-not just a strong dislike… Jesus says hatred is like murder.

 

We should take hatred head-on.

Me:

Scrolling facebook… “Every person who believes   BLANK   is a stupid hypocrite… and other insults.”…thoughts.

-Untrue-How can they think this about me?-How do they think they are?

-Oh yeah… Anger!

Hands near the keyboard… ready to let loose! I’LL SHOW THEM!

…But then I paused and asked myself, "Is this really how I want to fight hatred?"

“Arguing with a fool makes two.” Leon Darden

 

Keep scrolling… don’t get into hateful arguments.

 

I am a Pastor… I am drawn to foolish hateful arguments.

 

Us:

We live in a world where hate seems to be winning.

-Battleground of ideologies. -Political divisions are tearing families…

-Racial tension is high.

-Hateful culture – school.

-Destroy your enemy!

 

Hatred feels insurmountable.

 

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and want to fight fire with fire.

 

How the World fight Hatred…

 

The world tells us to…

-stand our ground

-shout louder

-"cancel" those who disagree with us

 

Here is the problem with that.

Hatred vs Hatred = More Hatred

Hatred cannot overcome hatred.

 

Fighting hatred with hatred, only creates more hatred.

 

But what if there's a better way? What if we're called to be different?

 

What if Christianity were more than just an old dusty religion, but an ancient truth that reveals a better way to fight hatred?

 

Worth checking out?Something radically different?

 

God:

Jesus says something radical in Matthew 5:9. *Context* Most noteworthy message – Sermon on the mount. Huge crowd, early in his ministry… What would Jesus want them to hear? 

Matthew 5:9 " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus didn't say…

"Blessed are those who win arguments" "Blessed are those who silence their opponents." No! Jesus praises the peacemakers.Jesus says there is Blessing in making peace…

Blessing (Makarios) – Blessed & Happy

“Happy are the peacemakers…”

Peacemaker (eirēnopoios) – One who loves peace

 

Jesus – You will be happier when you prioritize peace.

 

Love peace… value peace… more than..

-Ego/pride.-Revenge.

-Winning.

 

Peace is an important word… Understand it?

Peace is not an absence of conflict. The effort of peacemaking may bring you into conflict.

Peace is security & safety even in conflict.

In the storm… but safe.Have enemies… but secure.

 

Peacemaking will draw you into conflict for the security & safety for others.

The prophet Micah reveals something we need to remember…

Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

 

Act Justly. Strive for Justice for others.

 

Wild turn for some…

Peaceful pursuit for safety & security-Peaceful Protest & Resistance

-Civil disobedience-Speaking Truth to Power

Biblical examples…

Peaceful pursuit for safety & security-Peaceful Protest & Resistance

-Jesus speaks out & removes dishonest money system from the temple. (Mark 11:15-17)

-Civil disobedience

-Egyptian Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused the Pharoah’s order to kill children. (Exodus 1:15-21)

-Speaking Truth to Power

- Prophet Nathan confronts king David over adultery & murder (2 Samuel 12)

Peacemakers enter conflict for security and safety.

 

Not enough to avoid conflict.It is Christian to enter conflict… but we must not act in hate.My rules of thumb…

Motivation must be HELP not HURT.If peaceful protest becomes hateful… Leave.No riots or threatening others.Refuse to be a political pawn. Count the cost… you could be arrested.

 

Simpler…-Speak up for others at school.-Stand against other people’s bullies.-Be both biblically and politically educated and vote.