Victory Life Online

Peculiar 4

Get in the Game

A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD.

9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

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The most inspiring message—You don’t want to hear.

Text: Good News Bad News

Jesus never promised:

Be rich

Never Heartbroken

Wouldn’t rain vacation

Plumbing never backup

Isn’t Ironic? Don’t You Think

Rain on your wedding day

Black fly in your chardonnay

Death pardon two minutes too late

It's like rain on your wedding day 

It's a free ride when you've already paid 

It's the good advice that you just didn't take 

Time and unforeseen circumstance befall us all - Eccl 9:11

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What did Jesus promise? If you follow him—Persecuted

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first... 20bIf they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:18, 20

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1 Peter: Context: Peter is writing to Gentile Christians

Emperor Nero—Murdered mom, Wife (Octavia), Most likely 2nd wife.

Suspected Nero burned Rome, Blamed Christians: Extreme Persecution

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Many believe worst decade of Christian persecution in history of the world.

(Open Doors USA)

On avg: 370 Christians killed month—300 Christian churches prop destroyed

800 acts of violence (rape, beatings, tortures, etc).

Lose family—Lose job

Arrested and beat—Not invited to the party

Different Perspective in Persecution

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

If you’re living faithfully for Christ—Don’t be surprised when face opposition.

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Playing soccer—Bench, Water bottle flipping, Playing games on phone.

If you are opposition—Are you worried about me?

Get in the game—Attacking and shooting.

Shut me down.

Move from happiness to holiness

Move from comfort to persecution

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If you’re on the bench spiritually

Don’t serve, Don’t give, Prayer life is weak, Not sharing—No Threat.

Get in game—Enemy takes notice.

Don’t be surprised—Battle—They are shooting at me!

What did you expect—Christianity is not a playground—Battleground.

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Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial…

If Peter were writing message today—He might adapt it to his audience.

ïLibya—Don’t be surprised if someone you know is beheaded.

ïMuslim Indonesia—If your family disowns you for following Christian.

ïYoung girl in college—You don’t get a second date—stance purity.

ïYOU—Family makes fun Thanksgiving

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13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT

So many people are seeking comfort, pleasure and ease.

Avoid conflict—Dodge any opposition—Take path of least resistance.

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Smoke or drink to fit in.

Laugh at racist or sexist joke—know it’s wrong.

Hide your faith in Christ so no one pokes fun at you.

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Pursue Comfort  Avoid Opposition  Faith Weakens  Life’s Empty

Live Boldly  Face Opposition  Faith Strengthens  Closer to Christ

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19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19

Class Captain - To Win - What do you believe?

Do what is right and trust God with the outcome

DID I WIN??? Not going to tell you!

Doesn’t matter if you win - it matters that you do what’s right.

Do what’s right at work—At school—Family—Team

We don’t cut corners—We don’t compromise our values—We don’t shy.

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World is getting darker and darker—Does this worry you?

Do you ever worry? Not at all!

Persecution never weakens the church—It strengthens our faith.

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So easy to CLAIM to be Christian where I live.

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Don’t worry when you are persecuted. Worry when you’re not.

Comfort being uncomfortable

Put myself out there—That’s when I experience God.

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“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:5-7

Give it to God!

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So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen. 

I Peter 5:11

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PECULIAR 3

LIGHT IN THE DARK

One of the words Peter uses over and again:

Calling, Call, Called.

Calling—Emboldens, Encourages, Empowers.

Class Captain - Badge

God does not call us to get a job done he calls us to empower us.

Peculiar - who you belong to characteristically.

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• AN ETERNAL CALL TO CHRIST. (Peter/Unlikely)

• A TEMPORARY CALL TO AN ASSIGNMENT.

(Class Captain)

• A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD.

What am I called to do?

God will call you to a WHO before a DO!

Who before do—When you know who you are—Know what to do.

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Peter writing to persecuted Christians

• Superstitious—Miracles—Magicians—Jesus head magician.

• Incestuous—Agape Meetings (Love Feasts)—Brother and Sister

• Cannibals—Take and eat my body.

9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

Not what you were—New creation—Redeemed—Set free

Most don’t think we are Superstitious—Incestuous—Cannibals.

Self-righteous—Judgmental—Intolerant bigots.

Some so called Christians—Unfortunately earned these titles.

Peter writing to suffering and despised Xian

Christ is calling you—Different standard.

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11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

1 Peter 2:11-12

Peter—Not going to try to convince them to believe like we believe.

Going to show them what we believe—by how we behave.

Not going to tell you about my faith first—Live my faith!

You don’t have to be defensive.

Best defense is a good offense

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Do you think I’m ever criticized? Our church?

Instead of defending—We’re not a cult. Not a bad guy—get to know me.

Lead the way with irrational love.

We are not spiritual consumers—Church exists for world!

Known for what we are for—Not against.

Let’s be generous—Righteous—Loving!

…15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 1 Peter 2:15

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21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. (*) He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:21

(*) Not get promotion, Makes fun of you, Only one not invited

Weak—he was gentle.

Didn’t understand—patient.

Rejected—he was loving.

Sinned—forgiving.

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What was he not—Proud, Arrogant, Condescending, Defensive, Hateful.

22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. 1 Peter 2:22-24

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Peter continues: what said more peculiar - showing who you belong to characteristically.

Normal: Curse those—Curse! Hate those—Hate! Revenge—Wrong

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

You are called to go the extra mile

Love your enemies—Bless those who persecute you!

To the world that’s peculiar in a weird way

To us that’s peculiar in a showing who we belong to characteristically.

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You’re on call!

Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging

Called to do good!

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Class Captain

Down and depressed

Bullied

Family member betrays—forgive

Neighbor can’t mow

Left out

Takes advantage—Continue love

Short $ groceries

Need church

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I’m on call—On call to Love. Serve. Give. Blessing.

On call to find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.

You are called

Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging

Called to Do Good

Peculiar 2

Different Values in an Unholy Culture

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Last week—learned Peter was writing to persecuted Christians

Already hated: Nero most likely burned Rome—Blamed Christians.

In the face of difficulties, we have a peculiar kind of faith.

This World is not your home!

Because of this world not your own—You are called to be different! You are called to be peculiar.

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Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [temporary residents]

1 Peter 1:13-17

The greatest obstacle to following Christ may be your desire to fit in with this world. (Philosophies of the world)

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Didn’t create you to fit in—Stand out.

God never says that you blend in—You are set apart—Different. Peculiar

Normal: Broke, Hurting, Stressed, Divorced, Afraid, Anxious.

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Jesus said wide is the road and broad is the path—Destruction

Small gate. Narrow road.

Cuss..

Able to stop saying it—Didn’t stop thinking it.

Different on the outside—Not on the inside!

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Why does it even matter?

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

He has not called you to be happy—“be happy in all you do.” - be HOLY in all you do.

So many people wrongly believe God highest calling is your happiness.

God’s highest calling for you is not your happiness but your holiness.

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Theology of happiness empowers personal justification:

Since I’m not happy—Allowed do something that would otherwise be wrong.

¬Not happy in my marriage—I’m simply leaving.

¬Want this thing—Can’t afford this thing—Gonna get this thing!

¬Dating know we should wait—We’re in love—God understands. Married.

When we believe that God wants us happy above all else,

discomfort, delay, risk, and suffering can’t be God’s will.

Without knowing it, we begin to worship the false gods of

comfort, money, pleasure, and things.

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Happy—God exists to serve me

God does not exist to serve us—We exist to serve him—HOLY.

Hágios—holy, set apart, different, pure.

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Follow Jesus and Have the Courage to be Different.

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14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14

Effort

How many know you can slip into sin? Fall into temptation.

You don’t slip into righteousness—I tripped and became holy.

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Subtle—Sneaky—Never—Be a Satanist! (Sacrifice chicken)

Your enemy—Did God really say?

Did God really say can’t watch those adult shows on Netflix?

That music with bad language is bad?

Gossip is a sin

Not to post half-naked photos on Instagram?

I’m not that bad—I’m a lot better than a lot of people.

A lot of people are not the standard!

Questions for Reflection:

ïWhat is three areas I struggle most trying to fit in?

ïWhen was a time I put my happiness above God’s call for holiness?

ïWhat are the biggest ways that I’m different from the world?

ïWhat is the area that God wants me to be different?

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Why holy? Why does it even matter?

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21

God says—Be Holy Because I Am Holy

Because of who he—And because of what he’s done—I want to be holy.

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Not that I have to—WANT TO

We are not talking about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

We are talking about SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

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Living holy isn’t the path to knowing Christ.

Knowing Christ is the path to living Holy.

Peculiar 1

A Different Kind of Faith

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Based on the book of 1 Peter:

1. For those facing a trial.

Seems unfair. Wish you could change it. Don’t have answers.

Trying can’t conceive, Financial obstacles and struggling to pay your bills

Battling cancer, Child is making unwise decisions—Feel helpless.

2. For those about to face a trial

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Context: Peter written by Simon Peter (Spoiler)

Peter is often described as an Uneducated Fisherman - he had a very sharp mind!

Peter writes to hurting Christians: Election, Foreknowledge, Sanctification, Obedience, Blood of Christ, Trinity, Grace, Revelation, Hope.

What’s most emotional in his writing—speaking to those suffering

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Not sure when 1 Peter written: Between 60-65 AD during

reign of Nero—Christians faced extreme persecution.

July of 64 AD—fire in Rome burned out of control 6 days—another 3.

Believed Nero started fire insatiable lust build—Blamed Christians. (Senate)

Animal skins—Wax on trees!

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This is not your home! We are Peculiar to this earth

This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

1 Peter 1:1

parepidēmois—exiles, sojourners, aliens, strangers, foreigners, different and peculiar to the norm

Because you are not from here—You don’t live like those from here.

As followers of Jesus—we are not called to look like the rest of the world.

Different values, Different standards, Different goals.

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WEEK 1: Peculiar Faith in Trials

WEEK 2: Peculiar Values in an Unholy Culture

WEEK 3: Peculiar Calling in a Dark World

WEEK 4: Peculiar Perspective in Persecution

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PECULIAR FAITH IN TRIALS

Trials are bad! Why would God allow?

If you are in the middle of a difficult time—say—Faith is being tested

6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. 1 Peter 1:6-7

If there is a “genuine faith,” there’s also a false faith.

One of the biggest challenges I see in churches today: False faith.

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FALSE (NORMAL) FAITH

My Dad was a Methodist, mom a Baptist,   

baptized as a baby

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Sower sows seed—Takes root—worries of life, deceitfulness wealth, desire things choke word.

Some of you won’t be engaged with things of faith in six months.

Busy with school—Student loans—Car payment—Partying—Pot.

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I will believe as long as things go my way.

Guy gym—Wife left me, struggling financially—how can I believe God?

Trial is testing my faith!

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HOW DOES GOD USE YOUR TRIALS?

1.TRIALS REVEAL YOUR FAITH.

7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. 1 Peter 1:7

A faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

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Early years—Obnoxious: Impulsive, Cocky, Very inconsistent

Later years—Faithful, Devoted, Patient—Bold.

Denied Christ 3x—Young girl

Willing to die death as a martyr.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Wrecked with pain—There is purpose in your pain!

God never causes a hurt But God never wastes a hurt!

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2. TRIALS DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD.

8 You love [God] even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 

1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT

The good news isn’t that God saves us from our trials.

The good news is that God saves us from our sins!

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As you grow to depend on God

You rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

Peter—Rock!

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Blame God (inherited, shallow faith)

Turn from God to own ways (conditional faith)

We are willing to face the trial with God

We dont look for God in the trial.

CHRISTIAN vs. THE REST The differentiator of our beliefs

What makes a holiday great for you? Differences in making a vacation a good one!

What is one thing that completely changes our belief structure - sets Christianity apart from any other belief?_____________________________________

Some of the things Jesus did, anyone could do!

Some of the things Jesus did, may be able to be explained away. Some of the things Jesus did, may have been distorted by history.

Some of the things Jesus did, could have been old wives tales. Some of the words Jesus spoke could have been spoken by other men.

Being put to death on a cross - that was something many did.

Stage show magicians pull rabbits out of hats, he pulled bread out of a basket.

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When all has been said and done, what was the thing that Jesus did that no one else has ever done that broke the veil?

That ripped the understandable, comprehensible and understood world into the supernatural, unseen and eternal world?

Die and be resurrected!

When it comes to faith (religion) its a major difference to other religions.

When it comes to our faith (belief) its one of the big items in scripture that we have to get our heads around.

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Christianity's core belief is that the Son of God took on human form (baby in a manger), died for our sins (the story of the cross) and then rose from the dead to give us eternal life. (WHAT????

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But if Jesus Christ didn't come back to life, it undoes His claim to be the all-powerful, eternal Son of God, Savior and Messiah. It undoes every promise and prophesy, it nullifies God’s word and causes Christianity to completely implode.

So, Christianity hangs on the Resurrection. _____________________________________

Your hope and faith hangs on the resurrection. It’s one of the core elements of our belief that takes complete and blind faith!

The good words spoken by Jesus appeals to our logic, but the resurrection of the Christ, whether we are in a good or bad situation, through faith unlocks that which defies logic

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1 Corinthians 15:12-19 TPT

The Importance of the Resurrection

12 The message we preach is Christ, who has been raised from the dead. So how could any of you possibly say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no such thing as a resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14 And if Christ has not been raised, all of our preaching has been for nothing and your faith is useless. 15 Moreover, if the dead are not raised, that would mean that we are false witnesses who are misrepresenting God. And that would mean that we have preached a lie, stating that God raised him from the dead, if in reality he didn’t.

16 If the dead aren’t raised up, that would mean that Christ has not been raised up either. 17 And if Christ is not alive, you are still lost in your sins and your faith is a fantasy. 18 It would also mean that those believers in Christ who have passed away have simply perished. 19 If the only benefit of our hope in Christ is limited to this life on earth, we deserve to be pitied more than all others!

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Jesus lived, was crucified, raised on the third day, and was seen by many.

The Jewish authorities tried to cover it up with money. The Roman government tried to silence it with violence. Modern skeptics try to argue it away.

Was Jesus resurrected?

No social media/selfies/video footage.

All we have is eye witnesses. And the behavior of those who claimed to have seen him alive and resurrected...

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"Eye-witnesses believed He was."

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 The Passion Translation (TPT)

3 For I have shared with you what I have received and what is of utmost importance: The Messiah died for our sins,
 fulfilling the prophecies of the Scriptures. 4 He was buried in a tomb
 and was raised from the dead after three days,
 as foretold in the Scriptures.[a]5 Then he appeared to Peter the Rock[b]
 and to the twelve apostles.[c] 6 He also appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at the same time, most of whom are still alive as I write this, though a few have passed away.[d] 7 Then he appeared to Jacob[e] and to all the apostles.  8 Last of all he appeared in front of me, like one born prematurely, ripped from the womb.[f]

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BEFORE

When Jesus was taken away by the soldiers, the disciples scattered (Matthew 26:56).

When they thought Him dead, they hid (John 20:19).

AFTER

AFTER He appeared to them, however, they changed.

Peter

Peter, who had denied knowing Him (Matthew 26:69-75), spoke boldly to entire crowds (Acts 2), stood up to the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22), endured flogging (Acts 5:40), and went to prison (Acts 12:1-19), but wouldn't stop preaching.

Stephen insisted on Jesus' resurrection, right up to the moment the Sanhedrin stoned him (Acts 7).

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NO BENEFIT TO MAKING THIS CLAIM

While many may die for a belief, these are martyrs who died for what they claimed they saw. They had no reason to lie.

Saying Jesus had not risen would have given them a chance for a relatively peaceful, prosperous life. Insisting He was raised brought them multiple scourgings, imprisonments, and horrific deaths. _____________________________________

PECULIAR CLAIM

Paul, a persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1-2) and James, Jesus' brother and a confirmed skeptic (John 7:2-5), both claimed to have seen Jesus after His resurrection. And both died, refusing to recant that belief.

Claiming Jesus had risen granted them no earthly rewards. (Peculiar claim) _____________________________________

Paul went from a respected, powerful member of the Jewish leadership to a near-vagrant, constantly working, traveling, and preaching with occasional breaks for prison.

James was known for doing the right thing. He didn't believe in Jesus until he had seen proof that Jesus was the Messiah. In response, he became a leader of the church of Jerusalem—a church that was continuously persecuted. _____________________________________

SUICIDAL

But there is no theory that can explain the eye-witness accounts and the extreme change in behavior and near suicidal teachings they stuck to...except that Jesus really was resurrected. Because of that, we can have hope that we, too, will rise one day and meet Him.

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THE IMPACT OF THE RESURRECTION:

The resurrection is what changes our belief from fact to faith...

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25

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WHAT DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT RESURECTION?

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha... 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:1,3

Bad news...—the one you love is sick.

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death.

No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4•

Summarize 5-14: Waited 2 days

Let’s go back to Judea. “Jews tried to kill you—why go back?

Lazarus has fallen asleep; I’m going there to wake him up.

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Sin - cross - no reason not to be in relationship with God - His love and forgiveness for you.

DEAD ENDS - YOUR RESURRECTION IS NOW

Without the supernatural, doubt, discouragement, delay rob you of hope.

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1) DEAD IN YOUR DOUBTS. (Thomas)

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16

Ever had spiritual doubts? Perfect people polish halo. Prayed & nothing happened? Resurrection is what changes everything...

The resurrection is what changes doubts to truth...

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2) DEAD IN YOUR DISCOURAGEMENT. (Mary)

20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. John 11:20

Always be depressed. Never good marriage, Always fail as parent.

Never really loves me. Always dead end job. Dream is dead.

Resurrection is what restores hope.

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3) DEAD IN THE DELAY. (Martha) (3 days, dead, stinketh)

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days...21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:17, 21

Delay: Never marry, Baby, Praying for loved one, Healing

God’s delays are not God’s denials!

But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask. John 11:22

Loneliness—comfort, Confusion—Peace, Financially—Provider. Broken family—put pieces together, Mistakes u made—life matters.

Cold and calloused toward God—heart soft. Dead—bring to life.

Jesus said to (Martha), “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:23-26

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THE RESURRECTION IS NOT AN EVENT—IT’S A PERSON.

Didn’t say—I’m able to resurrect—but I am resurrection.

Jesus told them, Take away the stone!

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:43-44

If my God can defeat death—my God can do anything!

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25

MIRROR MIRROR 4 - Approved

We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. So how can we get to our true identity? By laying down who we think we are tobecome who God says we are.                  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.  Romans 12:3 (TPT)

God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.

WE WILL LAY DOWN OUR:

FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY.

NEED FOR CONTROL.

RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED.

LONGING FOR APPROVAL.

Recovering people pleaser

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SIGNS YOU ARE LONGING FOR APPROVAL

YOU WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK.  Public Speaking, Social media, Clothes, Hair, Don’t raise hand.

YOU ARE OFTEN OVERLY SENSITIVE.  New outfit, Slow to call back, Feeling okay?

YOU COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES.  Boyfriend, Joke, Language, Debt, Know truth

YOU HESITATE SHARING YOUR FAITH. (Weird, Pray)

YOU HAVE A HARD TIME SAYING NO.

Outside you are agreeable

Inside you are in turmoil

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EGO—affirm me, like me, approve of me.

Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget who Gods says you are

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Fear of man will prove to be a snare (mokesh), but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Prov 29:25

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Dogs and fence e.g. Parent vs. being liked by your kids

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Idolatry! Putting people ahead of Christ.

People are too big in my life and God is too small.

I’m asking people to meet a need they cannot meet.

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HOW DO WE OVERCOME THE DISEASE TO PLEASE?

FOCUS ON PLEASING GOD INSTEAD OF PLEASING PEOPLE.

10 Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

Gal 1:10 NLT

I can’t please everyone, but I can please God.

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LIVE FROM THE APPROVAL OF GOD INSTEAD OF FOR THE APPROVAL OF PEOPLE.

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.    1 Thess 2:4

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My worth isn’t based on what you think about me but what God says about me!

Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget who God says you are:

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WHO YOU DOES GOD SAY YOU ARE?

You are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17

You are forgiven and your sins are washed away. Eph 1:7

You are more than a conqueror through Christ. Rom 8:37

You are God’s masterpiece. Eph 2:10

You are the light of this world. Matt. 5:14

You are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ. Rom 8:11

You are a joint heir with Christ. Romans 8:17

You are Christ’s ambassador. 2 Cor. 5:20

You are the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:21 You are greatly loved by God. Romans 1:7

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2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a

worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Can’t please everyone—can please God.

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MIRROR MIRROR 3 The Right to Be Offended

We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror.

Laying down who we think we are to become who God says we are.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Romans 12:3 (TPT)

God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.

LAY DOWN

OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL.

Get upset at the most meaningless things.

Offense starts where grace ends

For years, I was easily offended. Meaningless things.

Driving—no “thank you” wave!

Why do we allow small offenses to affect us in a big way?

Egos win, right—Win, enemy. Right, wrong. Looking to be offended. Miserable way to live.

We get offended because our ego’s have a constant desire for us to win and be right..

We are right - someone else has to wrong We win - someone else has to loose

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A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Prov 19:11

Quick to judge. Quick to call a foul. Quick to be offended. Slow to overlook an offense.

Overlook isn’t the same as pretending it didn’t happen. Conscious decision to “let it go.”

Form of forgiveness.

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Hebrew word means to “pass over.”

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Rom 12:3

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Paul had received much grace...

BECAUSE OF CHRIST’S GRACE TO ME...

1. I WILL NOT LABEL OTHERS.

If we are not the labels others have given us (veil) then others are not the labels we have given them.

Dont be the others...

Lied, Cheated, Stole. Categorize a person over one incident.

Hold a label for a lifetime because of a mistake in a moment! He’s a jerk. She’s a gossip. He’s a loser. She’s arrogant.

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37

2. I’LL GIVE OTHERS THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Eph 4:2 NLT

What is the other persons story...

Might be having a bad day. Might be distracted. Misunderstanding.

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Not all about you: Bad mood isn’t about you

Carless driving—about you.

Thick skin and soft heart: Wonder what going through? Wounded: Hurt people hurt people.

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3. I’LL FORGIVE AS I’VE BEEN FORGIVEN.

13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Col 3:13 NLT

Forgiveness used to be a process (sacrifice)—Forgive in real time. (Jesus)

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What about the serious hurts. Major offenses. Justified, right. They hurt me. Wronged someone I love. Justice.

14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt 6:14-15

How—Hurt me, Abused me, Someone I love. Adultery is grounds for divorce. Grounds for forgivness.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32

Passover

Set prisoner free—Realize the prisoner was you.

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Gain the altitude over the big things

Maintain that altitude imagine how small the minor issues will be

Hurt people hurt people. Forgiven people forgive people.

MIRROR MIRROR 2 - Control Freak

We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror.

Laying down who we think we are to become who God says we are.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Romans 12:3 (TPT)

God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.

LAY DOWN

OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. OUR NEED FOR CONTROL. OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL.

MY NEED FOR CONTROL

Some area—like to be in control? Raise someone’s hand. Control freak home—>not work. Finances—>laid back children.

Leanne relaxed about social calendar and need to see others - Packing the dishwasher and keeping the kitchen (618 Pharisaical laws)

Me—I don’t care about kitchen or believe it or not the remote control, but the WIFI and internet connectivity...

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Micromanage, Manipulate: Passive aggressive, silent treatment Circumstances: How kids look, house perfect, yard, schedule

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I KNOW BEST OR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE WORST

Trust in the Lord with some of your heart and lean on your own understanding. In some of your ways, acknowledge him, and you will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6 CFV

More that you try to control the more you’re afraid of losing control.

More you are afraid—the more you try to control.

Cycle of fear!

FEAR = CONTROL GONE BAD

Hard to see in mirror... Maybe this is what God wants.Abraham: this is my sister.

Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.

Genesis 16:1-4

Ishmael and Isaac

What’s that got to do with me?

Christian women looking for a christian man. Can’t find one so you settle for a man thinking you can change him.

Finances—tithing Job—exaggerate on resume Can’t afford—borrow.---

IS IT WORTH MY CONCERN? OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT ALONE?

41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

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Dishes have to be done a certain way.

8-year old son combs his hair.

How clean your kids keep your car.

Not talking marriage and parenting and our relationships with God!

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Embrace NO WIFI

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IS IT MINE TO CONTROL? OPEN TO OTHERS?

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUTTING DOWN CONTROL AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY...

Tight Financially—take responsibility - budget

Worried about kids future—take responsibility - spend time with them

Marriage Struggling—take responsibility - get counsel Afraid never marry: —take responsibility - get involved, join some activities, bath

Taking responsibility involves releasing some control EGO/Pride vs. accountability, counsel, opening up to other humans

James 4:13-14 (CONTROL)

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

James 5:16 (RESPONSIBILITY)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

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IS IT FOR GOD ALONE? EXALT MY PLAN OR HIS PROMISE?

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Control what you can’t—you’re anxious.

Give it to God—peace.

Can you change my spouse? Can God change my spouse? Can you heal my loved one? Can God heal my loved one? Can you control my future? Can God control the future?

The Lord will provide a sacrifice.

Gen 22:13-14

(Abraham) went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.

Closing: When you follow Jesus, you aren’t in control. But HE removes fear...

MIRROR MIRROR 1 - Feelings of Inadequacy

We are not our labels. We are not who others say we are. And we aren’t the broken self-image we see in the mirror. So how can we get to our true identity? By laying down who we think we are tobecome who God says we are.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Romans 12:3 (TPT)

God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.

MY FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY

Altar is where you make a sacrifice—lay down something before God.

Ego—what we believe (think) about ourselves.

LAY DOWN

OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY.

OUR NEED FOR CONTROL.

OUR RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED.

OUR LONGING FOR APPROVAL.

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Parenting, Not successful, House, (Nails, hair, dinner) Smart or popular, Spiritually inadequate:

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WHY DO WE FEEL INADEQUATE? UNFAIR CRITICISM.

Never amount to anything. Wish I never had you. Disappointment.

Can’t do anything right. Wish you were more like, Isn’t your thing

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UNREALISTIC COMPLIMENTS.

You’re incredible! Amazing! Best!

Deep down you know you’re not. Pressure. How will I live up? Trophy... Fear of failure.

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UNWISE COMPARISONS.

Social Media: Highlight reel vs Behind-the-scenes, Followers

LAY DOWN OUR FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY

11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Judg 6:11-16

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3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU

1. GOD’S VIEW OF YOU IS DIFFERENT THAN YOU THINK.

12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Judges 6:12

Someone told you that you couldn’t... you’re not... you won’t...

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.Eph 2:10 NLT

You are not who others say you are! Rahab, David, Peter

God’s view of you is different than you think.

2. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK.

"Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14

Never speak in church... Methodist church

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Never have the words to say—good listener! Not an upfront person—behind the scenes servant! Don’t make 6 figures—home six nights a week!

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3. IT’S LESS ABOUT YOU THAN YOU THINK.

16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Judg 6:16

When God calls you to do something, it’s less about your power, more about His presence.

Feel inadequate—God is with you!

Afraid to speak... Throw up in mouth...

Step into it!

Good enough mom, Can’t do it all, Not successful

Not what others think about you, think about self—God says you are!

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Phil 4:13 NLT

He Has a Name 5

HEALED

RECAP

What Jesus calls us defines our purpose, what we call God defines our worship!

Romans 12:1-2

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

Call on the name of the lord = worship

Definition: “actual release of power so that the accomplishment is assured.”

He is the only God that has the ability to BE and it IS.

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We can’t worship a God we don’t know!

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Yahweh Nissi and Rapha

Yahweh Nissi means “The Lord Is My Banner”

Under whose name and reputation I choose to live. Whose character and principles I will align my life.

This is the name of God that proclaims His protection, leadership, and deliverance for His people.

Just as God brought divine protection for the Israelites against their enemy, the Amalekites, He offers us protection and deliverance today from the enemies we may face in this life.

While Joshua and the people fought against their enemy, Moses stood on top of a hill with God’s staff in his hands. The Bible tells the story that even though Moses grew weary, when his hands were lifted by those who supported him, the Israelites were winning, and when his hands lowered the Amalekites were winning. It was clear to all who gave them victory that day.

Sometimes we spin our wheels trying to battle through our hard days in our own strength. We get weary, we get upset, we get angry, and we end up losing it.

God’s reminder is to all Him to be our banner, our protector, that One that is able to lead us and give us supernatural victory against forces and obstacles that come against us. If we allow Him to be in control, He will do more on our behalf, than would ever be possible on our own.

“Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.” Exodus 17:15 [1]

HEALING - BRINGS DELIVERANCE FROM…

LIVING UNDER HIS BANNER (NISSI), BY HIS PRINCIPALS BRINGS HEALING (RAPHA)

Jehovah Rapha

Jehovah Rapha means "Healer, the Lord who heals you”

This name brings so much comfort and hope to many of us who have prayed for healing and deliverance from disease, illness, brokenness, or painful circumstances.

It reminds us that God knows we’re in need of help, He understands we’re in need of healing, and He promises to redeem every broken place in our lives. 

He never leaves us on our own to fend for ourselves. Without Him we couldn’t have hope for true freedom and healing, but just as God brought miraculous deliverance from all types diseases and difficulties throughout His word, He promises to act on behalf of His people still today.

Sometimes the healing doesn’t come in the timetable or way that we would choose, and that can be hard. But as believers we still have this hope and assurance: we will live forever free in heaven, far away from the burdens we’ve carried here in this life. Jesus promises to make all things new, and God will wipe away every tear.

He said, "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." - Exodus 15:26 [2]

God is a global healer.

His touch is thorough, deep and complete and leaves no part of us unaffected.

Our worship of Him and obedience to His ways exposes us to a cause and effect on a Divine scale. A single act of obedience sets off a chain reaction of supernatural interventions in multiple areas of our lives.

Proximity to God is what calls who he is into our moment.

Call on the name of the lord = worship

[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ex+17:15

[2] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ex+15:26