The veil of Death hangs over the world (Isaiah 25:7-8)We live in a broken world We are sinful people Jesus was Crucified for Us Good Friday demonstrates God’s love for us (Romans 5:8) His death was for our sin Christ is Risen! The Tomb was empty! Jesus lives (Mark 16:6) We are Raised with Christ His Resurrection opened the grave for us (Romans 6:5) We too will live Live for God Everlasting Life has already begun (Romans 6:13) Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)

Easy Assumptions We often judge by appearances Goliath was an imposing enemy (1 Samuel 17:4-7) David was a young shepherd (1 Samuel 17:33) Challenging Expectations David was prepared for the battle (1 Samuel 17:34-35, 37) “Hosanna to the Son of David” Be a Hero Know who you are (1 Samuel 17:40) Don’t try to be something you’re not Trust in God

Going the Wrong Way God called Jonah to go to Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-2) Nineveh needed the Prophet’s Message We try to Go our Own Way Turn Around Hear the call to repentance (Jonah 3:4) Faith in God leads us to repentance (Jonah 3:5) Repentance is a change in direction Go Forward by Faith Nineveh received Mercy (Jonah 3:10) Live in the Mercy of God

We Wander The People of Israel wandered in the wilderness (Numbers 13:32-33)We stray from the path we should follow (John 3:19)God Still Guides God led Israel through their time in the wilderness (Deuteronomy. 8:2)God guides us even when we wanderThe Promised Land is Waiting The People of Israel were at the threshold (Deuteronomy 8:7-10)We anticipate eternity (John 3:16)

The Powerful Presence of God He comes to redeemHe comes in powerHe comes to covenant (Ex. 24:7-8)Meet God on His Mountain The People could not approach the mountain (Exodus 20:18-19,  24:1)Moses met God on the Mountain (Exodus 24:12)Easier Said than Done Good Intentions only go so far (Exodus 24:3)Waiting is hardWaiting became wandering (Exodus 32:7)God Shows Mercy He keeps His CovenantHe is gracious (Joel 2:13)Wait on the Lord Be renewed (Is. 40:35)Be redeemedBe restored

Creation is Subject to God’s Judgment God saw the corruption of the earth (Genesis 6:12) The judgment was sealed (Genesis 6:13) We are under the same sentence The Rain Fell Forty days of rain (Genesis 7:11-12) The water rose above the surface of the earth (Genesis 7:18) God Gives Grace Noah and his family were in the Ark (Genesis 7:1) God promised, "never again" (Genesis 8:21) God rescues us through the righteous One We live in His righteousness We rest in His grace

Surviving the Wilderness The Spirit drove Jesus into the Wilderness (Mark 1:11-12) Jesus was with the wild animals (Job 5:22-23) We might feel like we are in the wilderness Facing Temptation Jesus was tempted by Satan (Mark 1:13) We are tempted God Provides Angels were ministering to Jesus (Psalm 91:11-12) Jesus provides for us (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15) 1 Corinthians 10:13 Mark 1:15

Look at Jesus Jesus was often incognito Jesus’ Appearance was transformed (Mark 9:2-3) Look to Jesus His is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Mark 9:4) Matthew 5:17 By faith we see Him and know Him (2 Corinthians 4:6) We look to Him in trust (Hebrews 12:1-2) Look like Jesus By His grace we are transformed into His likeness (2 Cor. 3:18) We live for His glory

God’s Power is UnlimitedWith God all things are possible (Isaiah 40:26)Jesus demonstrated the power of God (Mark 1:31, 34)God’s Power is beyond our Understanding.We cannot know the mind of God  (Isaiah 40:28)Jesus – power in humilityWe have access to God’s PowerNot by our will (Mark 1:40)In our Weakness (2 Cor. 12:9)By Waiting (Isaiah 40:30 )

Words of Authority Who’s in Charge Here?Jesus taught with authority (Mark 1:22)Words of Release (Mark 1:23-24)Jesus’ power extended to the Spiritual RealmMore than words (Mark 1:25-27a)Mark 9:6-7Listen to His WordsReceive His teachingBe releasedLive by the Word