Victory Life Online

He Has a Name 4

Pause

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.

He is jealous of our worship because He wants relationship with us!

El Elyon

He is greater than any force of darkness in this world, 

He is bigger than any problem we might come up against in this life. 

El Roi

He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness. 

He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close. 

He is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved.

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We can’t worship a God we don’t know!

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Psalms 46:10 (NIV and TPT)

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; (NIV)

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Surrender your anxiety![a [1]]

Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.

I am the God above all the nations,

and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. ___________________________________________

Being still is dependent on KNOWING god.

Knowing God is dependent on being still

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Peace - John 17:3

Eternal life means to know and experience you

as the only true God,[a [2]]

and to know and experience Jesus Christ,

as the Son whom you have sent.

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The need for peace:

Sometimes it’s hard to know who we can trust, we may feel unsafe or uncertain in circumstances surrounding us. We want to know that our loved ones are protected and covered in His care, especially when they’re away from us.

Want to know God - Be Still

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Do you genuinely want to be still?

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Take Time To Press Pause

It’s called the fear of missing out. And many of us suffer from it. We don’t want to miss the next viral video, meme or online trend. 

We are afraid of getting behind on what our friends are all talking about. If we don’t constantly interact with what is happening online, we think we could cease to exist! 

So we constantly move at a non-stop pace for fear of missing out on even one thing. 

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There’s a barrage of endless sounds and images that are constantly flashing before our eyes. There has never been a time in the history of the world when people have had more information shoved in their faces each day than right now. 

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Even when we decide to be lazy and “do nothing,” we still end up binge watching, downloading music, playing computer games and instant messaging our friends—all at the same time. 

No wonder God often feels so far away in the midst of our busy nonstop lives. 

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Want to know God? Be still… This means we need to stop, wait, and pay attention. We need to drown out the noise around us and stop scrolling for a minute. 

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This verse in Psalms also says that God will be exalted among the nations. The word exalted means lifted above all else. If God is to be lifted up in our life then we need to turn down our other notifications so that we can start to notice God.

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What if one of the reasons we find it so difficult to start a conversation with God is that we don’t stay still long enough to see how much He is already present in our lives? 

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What if by constantly trying not to miss out on things that don’t really matter, we are actually missing out on some important things that really do? 

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El Shaddai  (Shelter)

“God Almighty” – God’s name, El Shaddai, reminds us that He is all-powerful, He is the Mighty One, He is the 9-1-1 to run to.

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Psalm 91:1

When you sit enthroned[a [3]] under the shadow of Shaddai,[b [4]]

you are hidden[c [5]] in the strength of God Most High.

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And we can find refuge and rest in His shadow. This is comforting in a world where we face many battles day by day. Sometimes it’s hard to know who we can trust, we may feel unsafe or uncertain in circumstances surrounding us. 

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He is the God who sees all, knows all, and has the power to go before us, walk with us daily, and cover us from behind. Dwelling in God’s presence gives us shelter and rest.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 [6]

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Yahweh Yireh

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14 [7]

“The Lord Will Provide” – God will provide for our needs. Every one of them, He is faithful, He is able, nothing is too difficult for Him. Sometimes His timing is different than ours, maybe we feel that He’s forgotten and hasn’t heard our prayers. 

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Sometimes we get our “needs” and “wants” mixed up, and other times He knows what is better for us than we even know ourselves. 

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We can trust Him, that His timing is perfect, and that all things are possible for Him even when we can’t see a way out. 

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Abraham found this to be true. Alone with his son Isaac in the wilderness, He knew and trusted that God would provide for a sacrifice in place of his only child. He believed in God’s character, and knew Him to be faithful, loving, and the God who will provide. 

Often it seems, that God tests our hearts like He did Abraham’s that day. He wants to know what we’re willing to lay down before Him, before He opens the doors of provision and blessing. May we be found faithful.

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A great way to start a conversation with God today is to press pause and be still. After all, what is the point of moving so fast if you don’t actually know which direction you are supposed to be headed?

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[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=TPT#fen-TPT-654a

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6830a

[3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370a

[4] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370b

[5] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91%3A1&version=TPT#fen-TPT-1370c

[6] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+91:1

[7] http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ge+22:14

He Has a Name 3 The God Who Sees

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 We can’t worship a God we don’t know!

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.

He is jealous of our worship because He wants relationship with us!

Elohim and Father ___________________________________________

EL ELYON

Means “God Most High” – El Elyon is a name used through the Old Testament revealing God is above all gods, that nothing in life is more sacred.

The Lord Most High, the One who reigns supreme.

He is greater than any force of darkness in this world,

He is bigger than any problem we might come up against in this life.

In daily life struggles and battles, we sometimes just need to be reminded that God is still in control. He never will lose His power and might, though the world feels dark many days, He has conquered death and sin. He is Mighty. He is Lord. He is exalted over all.

“I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” Psalm 7:17___________________________________________

EL ROI

“The God Who Sees” –

The kindness and care that this name holds as it points to God’s character.

He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness.He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, all on our own, or when we just need the reminder that God is close.

He is watching over all, that He sees the affairs of people, and knows when we feel lost and unloved.

When Hagar had run away to a desert place far from those she felt hurt and betrayed by, we see God surround her in so much grace and care. He didn’t leave her alone in her troubles.

He will never leave us to fend for ourselves through difficult times.He is always close, that He sees us when we feel that no one else does, and that He cares.

“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." Genesis 16:13___________________________________________

Matthew 6:8

Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him!

He Has a Name 2

Jealous

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

We can’t worship a God we don’t know!

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

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GOD (Elohim)

Elohim means “God” – This name refers to God’s incredible power and might.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

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

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Isaiah 12:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!

He is mighty at being who He is…

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He is the One and only God. He is Supreme, the true God in a world that promotes many false gods and religions.

He is the one on whom we can fully rely, He is Sovereign yet gives us free will.

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FREE WILL THROUGH BEING MADE IN HIS IMAGE

He has placed in us what Jesus calls out of us -

Purpose

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 PURPOSE

We surrender back to Him what He has already given us - Worship

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 WORSHIP

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OUR PURPOSE IS TO WORSHIP.

One God - It is humans who create other Gods. As soon as we diversify our worship attention we loose purpose. (Shame)

EG. Golden Calf

Worship is the expression of what God is.

Being and living out the IAM

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He wants us to have purpose:

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Ex 34:14

Jealous,

קַנָּ֣א (qan·nā)

Adjective - masculine singular

Strong's Hebrew 7067: 1) jealous (only of God)

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He is the one we can completely trust. He is the Mighty One over all of nature, this world, and the heavens above, our creative God who has worked wonders by His hands.

God reminds that He is Elohim every single day. His amazing power is at work in every sunrise, every sunset, in the way He holds the stars in the sky, and carries His people through difficult times. You can be assured, you are held by an Almighty God, you never have to fear, God’s hands are strong and secure.

God’s name to you is the depth of who He is in the moment!

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ONE DAD

Abba means “Daddy, Father” – Abba is the most intimate form of God’s name, showing us His character as our loving daddy.

He is the One who can be fully trusted, the One we can lean on, the One who cares about all that concerns us.

Just as a godly father’s presence in our daily lives is one of protection, security, and unconditional love, the constant presence of our heavenly Father is what gives us the strength and covering we need for this life’s journey.

This is one of my favorite names of God because in it He conveys His heart for each of us, as His children.

He gives us the privilege of being called his own sons and daughters.

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Psalm 116:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

16

O Lord, I am your servant;
    yes, I am your servant, born into your household;
    you have freed me from my chains.

17

I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving
    and call on the name of the Lord

BORN INTO A DIFFERENT FAMILY

He provides the way for us to call out to Him and the assurance, beyond a doubt, that He hears and will answer. In our most difficult to painful times in life, we can crawl up into the lap of our heavenly Father, and know that He is for us, and His arms will hold us secure.

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“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

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By leaning into Him for what He is in us, we will become what He wants us to be!

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Psalm 116:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 116

1

I love the Lord because he hears my voice
    and my prayer for mercy.

2

Because he bends down to listen,
    I will pray as long as I have breath!

3

Death wrapped its ropes around me;
    the terrors of the grave[a] overtook me.
    I saw only trouble and sorrow.

4

Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Please, Lord, save me!”

5

How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
    So merciful, this God of ours!

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He Has A Name

“BE”

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.

We can’t worship a God we don’t know!

Who is He? - Not what He is called - it is who He is!

The character attached to his name.

The longer you live the greater the reputation

God has lived forever

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Most famous moment in Scripture where God reveals what we should call him:

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Exodus 3:14

And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

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I am - Hebrew word Ha’y’ah (הָיָה)

The Hebrew lettering to represent this word looks like a lower case version of the Hebrew tetragrammaton  () which represents YAHWEH.

Ha’y’ah - I Am - be

Yahweh - The Great I Am - Be

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

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It is in fact not what we should call Him it is in fact what we should call upon?

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Translated To Lord

Exodus 3:15

Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’

BE - in that moment God showed Moses that He had always BEEN. He was the very existence of all things.

His presence!

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He would BE what was needed for the release of His power so that the accomplishment would be assured.

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It was not a name it was a personal revelation in every situation!

So when the bible translators came they found this word Ha’ Ya’h in so many different situations referring to anything from power to love to mercy to wisdom to forgiveness, they could not figure out the word, the name so they put in a title LORD, GOD and hoped that the reader would find personal revelation of His name!

They were reading the revelation of God’s being in situations of some of the closest people to God in scripture

God of Abraham...

People knew of him because they knew who worshipped him

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Jeremiah 11:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant 4 which I commanded your fathers in the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and do according to all that I command you (worship); so shall you be (wih·yî·ṯem - revelation - eyes will be opened) My people, and I will be (ha’ya’h) your God,’

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God’s name to you is the depth of who He is in the moment!

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What HE IS

What HE is Will BE

Genesis 1:3-8

3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”

And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” 7 And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. 8 God called the space “sky.”

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WISDOM - James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

He is Wisdom

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BE FORGIVEN

Its a state not a result of religious activity

Psalm 86:5

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

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HE IS LOVE

BE BRAVE Is. 41:13

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,

Saying t

PROMISES MADE 6

SAYS WHO?

The names Jesus calls us define the purpose He has for us.

Disciple - Promise Seeker

Salt and Light - Find a need and fill it - Find a hurt and heal it

Overcomer - You have every supernatural ability to live life with an overcoming attitude

Masterpiece - With a piece of the master in you, You can like yourself!

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

AMBASSADORS

WHEN YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU’LL KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Not that important…I’m just a regular Christian…

Just stay-at-home mom, student, entry-level bank teller…

Nothing regular about you…Xian—same spirit…

Ambassador, Masterpiece, Overcomer, Salt and Light, Disciple, a Promise seeker

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Therefore, if anyoneis in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 19b …And (God) has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Cor 5:17, 19b-21

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR SENT BY GOD FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH.

An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent as a representative from one country to another.

If you are a Christian, you are Christ’s ambassador!

I am an ambassador—sent by God—from heaven to earth.

AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR

YOU WERE NOT ELECTED BY PEOPLE BUT CHOSEN AND APPOINTED BY GOD!

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last… 19 As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

John 15:16, 19

Not good enough, not talented enough, not ready…Chosen!

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But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles… Acts 9:15

You are God’s chosen instrument!

Your office! Hallways of your high-school

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Chosen for this moment… Confront a friend about lying…

Life Group, Kids Church

Share your faith w/ur boss, broken down car

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YOU NEVER REPRESENT YOURSELF. YOU ALWAYS REPRESENT GOD.

For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

John 6:38

Craig—everything you do… represent Jesus

I am not my own… bought with a price!

I am crucified with Christ…

Put down - die to my identity - living sacrifice - pick up his identity because His names are my names. His promises my promises, his purpose my purpose.

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I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

2 Cor 10:8 NLT

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This ups our importance - Greater things.

Demons, Sickness, Death

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Cor 5:20-21

A little faith will get you into heaven. A lot of faith will help bring heaven to earth.

When someone attacks me—they attack my government… God is my defender.

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You have the power to act on behalf of the Kingdom of God.

Enjoys the benefits of the kingdom (bills are paid).

Deal diplomatically with all men: treats with gentleness and respect.

Remains loyal even if misunderstood.

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Not a tourist… Enjoy looking around.

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…Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Phil 3:19-20

Earth is not your home!

Different

Live in this world, but not of this world.

I am an ambassador—sent by God—from heaven to earth.

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They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:16

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PROMISES MADE 5

MASTERPIECE

Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise

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We respond to what he has called us!

He calls us Disciples - we respond by seeking the promises

He calls us Salt and Light - we find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it!

He called us Overcomers - We live life with an overcoming attitude and fight back with supernatural weapons

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Personal story - overcompensated for feelings of inadequacy and incompetency.

Such potential… maybe one day you could be something.

Never shone at anything

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I have to differentiate between life before Jesus and Life after Jesus.

Even if those around me had said I was brilliant - it was not until I believed what Jesus called me that I started to shine!

Its because of what He promised I was to him…

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What He calls me gives me purpose!

Purpose—if you don’t know the purpose of a thing—abuse thing.

Want to know the purpose—don’t ask the thing—creator of the thing.

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WITHOUT CHRIST, THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU.

Sinful, spiritually dead, object of God’s wrath

Ephesians 2:1, 3b-5 NLT

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins… 3b By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)

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WITH CHRIST, YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE.

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 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.

We are not saved by good works but for good works.

God’s masterpiece…

God don’t make no junk.

I am—God’s masterpiece—made in Christ Jesus

To do what God created me to do!

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AS GOD’S MASTERPIECE

YOU ARE CREATED FOR THE MASTER’S PURPOSE.

PSALMS 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Ps 139:13-16

Masterpiece for the master’s purpose!

This moment in history—I am here to glorify God

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YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO DO EVERYTHING GOD WANTS YOU TO DO.

2 PETER 1:3

(God’s) 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.

Moses… not a good speaker.

I can not (can), I’m not (am), Don’t have (do have)

Prettier, More hair, better singer, taller

Can’t sing, Not artistic, Cant work with my hands.

Wasn’t created to sing, paint, or fix toilet!

THOSE ARE THINGS TO DO - WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO A PURPOSE

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GOD USES EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE TO BRING ABOUT HIS PURPOSES.

ROMANS 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

What you meant for evil… God used for good.

Before Jesus I was a mess

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IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR YOURSELF

LET GOD REMAKE YOU.

JEREMIAH 18:3-4 NCV

So I went down to the potter's house and saw him working at the potter's wheel. 4 He was using his hands to make a pot from clay, but something went wrong with it. So the potter used that clay to make another pot the way he wanted it to be.

MASTERPIECE

poiema (poy'-ay-mah); a beautiful poem, perfect workmanship, a tapestry.

Ever looked at the backside of the tapestry?

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

EPHESIANS 1:11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.

God’s not finished with me yet…

…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isa 64:8-9

WHAT OTHERS CALL US GIVE US A STATUS

WHAT GOD CALLS US GIVES US PURPOSE

Greatest tragedy is life without purpose.

Life without purpose is time without meaning.

When you want to know the purpose of a thing, don’t ask the thing—ask the one who created the thing.

JOIN US

The Power of An Invitation

Psalms 34:3 TPT

Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together. Let’s make him famous! Let’s make his name glorious to all.

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There is something about an invitation...

An invitation makes us feel special

An invitation makes us feel wanted and accepted

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How many big changes can you think of that have started with a simple invitation.

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Personal Story

—> Invited to Fathers group

—> Invited to help at the church

—> Invited to LifeGroup

—> Invited to a Job Interview

—> Invited by my niece to her wedding

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Maybe your life changed when…

—> You were invited to the prom or on a date

—> Your boss invited you out to lunch

—> Your friend invited you for coffee

—> A family invited your family to dinner

One of the biggest most revolutionary movements of all time started with a few invitations…

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The biggest invitations of all:

Isaiah 1:18-19 (Sinners)

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Isaiah 55:1-3 (Destitute)

"Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat..."

Matthew 11:28-30 (Weary)

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden…"

Revelation 22:17 (Thirsty)

"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who

hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come…"

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Jesus invites his disciples “Join me”

They responded individually and quickly became a collective —. The church!

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Jesus disciples were not in a good place.

Been passed over by the Rabbi’s.

Dejected, rejected and overlooked.

Invitations uplift the dejected, accept the rejected and

notice the overlooked.

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Matthew 4:18-22 (TPT)

Jesus Calls His Disciples

18 As he was walking by the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus noticed two fishermen who were brothers. One was nicknamed Keefa (later called Peter), and the other was Andrew, his brother. Watching as they were casting their nets into the water, 19 Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.”[b] 20 Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus.

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You were invited by Jesus so that you could extend the invitation to others.

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Spiraled into the biggest the world has ever seen.

The biggest agent of positive change.

The only organization that genuinely holds the hope of the world in its grasp!

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John 1:40-42 Andrew inviters Peter (later invites 3000)

John 1:43-46 Phillip invites Nathaniel

John 4:28-30 The samaritan women invites her whole village

Luke 5:27-29 Matthew invites all to feast with Jesus

Acts 10:24,33 Cornelius who invites his friends and family

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And we could keep going until we get to your name.

Someone invited you!

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From Andrew and Peter - to 2.2 billion believers world wide ________________________________________________

Acts 2:36-41 The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Invitation

36 “Now everyone in Israel[a] can know for certain[b] that Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one God has made[c] both Lord[d] and the Messiah.”

The Crowd Responds to Peter’s Words

37 When they heard this they were crushed and realized what they had done to Jesus.[e] Deeply moved, they said to Peter and the other apostles, “What do we need to do, brothers?”[f]

38 Peter replied, “Repent and return to God,[g] and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One,[h] to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is for you[i] and your families, for those yet to be born[j] and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

40 Peter preached to them and warned them with these words: “Be rescued from the wayward and perverse culture of this world!”[k]

41 Those who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the church.[l]

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Someone you know needs to feel a part.

They need to hear the words “Join Us”

They need to hear the promises of God

They need to know they are included - they are on the guest list

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But how will they know?

Romans 10:14 (TPT)

14 But how can people call on him for help if they’ve not yet believed? And how can they believe in one they’ve not yet heard of? And how can they hear the message of life if there is no one there to proclaim it?

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The Holy Spirit will get them to the party, but you have to invite them.

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Step into the relationship

Be Jesus until they get to know him personally

Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!

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PROMISES MADE 4

OVERCOME

Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise

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We respond to what he has called us!

He calls us disciples - we respond by seeking the promises

He calls us Salt and Light - we find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it!

He called us to become something (Promise)

Seek out what it is we would want to become - what His promise transforms us into.

3. OVERCOMERS

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Careful about what I schedule: totally overbooked or overwhelmed

Preach 5 different messages - external broadcasts, church consults

Life seems to wash over us!

Become victims to our own lives.

Life happens!

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Weight problem Addiction Trapped in a job

Depression Inadequacy Small things

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

WITH CHRIST, YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER.

If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?... 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through (Christ) who loved us.

Rom 8:31-32, 35, 37

Pw

hupernikao (hoop-er-nik-ah'-o); to vanquish beyond recognition, gain a decisive victory, exceedingly more than a conqueror.

Rocky Balboa: Gideon, Red Sea, Crush the opponent

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

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Rev 12: I am… an overcomer… by the blood of the lamb

Because of Jesus I am an overcomer!

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Revelation 12:11 The Passion Translation (TPT)They conquered him completely
    through the blood of the Lamb
    and the powerful word of his testimony.[a]
They triumphed because they did not love and cling
    to their own lives, even when faced with death.

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David and Goliath!

AS AN OVERCOMER:

1. FIGHT WITH CONQUERING ATTITUDES!

Faith-filled attitudes lead to faith-filled actions!

Godly beliefs lead to godly behavior!

You are not just a victim of your circumstances, nothing u can do to change it.

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Always going to: worry, overweight, depressed, dead end job.

Can’t seem to control my anger, stop lusting, forgive others/self.

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Victim thinking… Not a victim—Through Christ—Victor!

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We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Can’t do it? —I can do all things!

Impossible? —all things are possible with God!

Don’t have enough faith? —faith of a mustard seed!

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I will not let what others said to me, did to me, or believe about me to stop me!

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

Ps 18:29 NLT

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2. FIGHT WITH SUPERNATURAL WEAPONS!

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

2 Cor 10:3-5

Helmet, Breastplate, Shield, Belt, Shoes, Sword

Fight like a man—now I fight like a man of God!

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But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Cor 4:7-9

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Because you have been called by Jesus - disciple; a promise seeker, You can overcome:

Betrayal; addictions; need 2 control or people please; worry; cancer; marriage--affair

Overcome negative thinking! Fear failure, Caring what people think!

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You, dear children, are from God and have overcome (the evil ones), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

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“More than conquerors... It was not a wish. It was a fact. We knew it, we experienced it minute by minute–poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. Not “we shall be.” We are! Life took place on two different levels… One, the observable, external life, grew every day more horrible. The other, the life we lived with God, grew daily better, truth upon truth, glory upon glory.”

Corrie Ten Boom

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…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:4-5

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Because of what He has called us we can:

nikao (nik-ah'-o); subdue, conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

PROMISES MADE 3

INFLUENCE

Obedience to the Law Vs. Obedience to the Promise

Disciple - Promise Seeker

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Promises we can base our year on:

1. He want us - He called us - wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t want us… (DISCIPLES - WHEN JESUS CALLS)

. He called us to become something (Promise)

Seek out what it is we would want to become - what His promise transforms us into.

2. SALT AND LIGHT

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CALLED TO CHANGE THE WORLD - ONE CONTACT AT A TIME

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31b-32

Know who you are—know what to do!

We know we are called to follow the promise.

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YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

SALT

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matt 5:13

Whether you are a really good person— or you are a really bad person you can be changed changed by really good God!

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WHAT DOES SALT DO?

SALT PRESERVES. (Eternal life)

SALT PURIFIES. (Impure world—agent of purification)

SALT CREATES THIRST. (I want what you have)

SALT MELTS. (Heart is hard—melt it with the love of Jesus)

SALT HEALS. (Hurt by people/religion—healed by Jesus)

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LIGHT

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16

World needs salt—impure… Light—dark!

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I am—salt of the earth—light of the world.

I am a Christ empowered influencer. My life will make a difference.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.

PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED

Stripped and beaten—severely flogged

Dungeon & fastened feet in stocks… legs spread to induce cramping

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25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Many would have done—God—you aren’t fair! Knew who they were.

Hey—I’m going to shine—they just did! They let it…

Sun—Moon

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This little light of mine—I’m going to let it shine

Hide it under a bushel “no”—I’m going to let it shine.

Don’t let Satan blow it out—I’m going to let it shine.

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2 reasons: HIDE IT (ASHAMED)

SATAN STEALS IT - BY MAKING US ASHAMED OF IT

No reason to ever be ashamed of Jesus!

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CARE IS NOT KNOWLEDGE

26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" Acts 16:26-28

Paul cared…”Don’t know enough!”

People don’t care how much you know.

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YOUR SALT AND LIGHT LIVING CHANGES LIVES.

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Acts 16:29-31

I want what you have!

You are salt & light!

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32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family. Acts 16:32-34

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PROMISES MADE 2

WHEN JESUS CALLS

Obedience to the Law

Vs.

Obedience to the Promise

Illustration of 3 million dollar gift

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The journey to all of God’s promises starts in understanding that we will always fail trying to do whats right (obedience to the law)

Lose bible reading streak

Forget to pray before a meal

Skip church to go to the game

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If it's following the letter of a law - you will fail.

Seek out his promises and in so doing follow the promise maker.

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When A law becomes THE law = religion

When A promise becomes THE promise = hope

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The primary promise of God = Jesus

John 3:16 (TPT)

For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift.[k [1]] So now everyone who believes in him[l [2]]will never perish but exerience everlasting life.

17 “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!

In the OT when people lost sight of the PROMISE they broke the commandments.

In NT when the got to see the promise in the new commandment (LOVE) they wanted to follow the promise by obeying the new commandment (DISCIPLES)

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JESUS CAME TO RESCUE US FROM THE CONDEMNATION WE PLACE OURSELVES UNDER

Promise is a destination…

We agree to the destination before we plot the course…

Jesus is the promise and our destination

To follow the promise = following Jesus

Followers of Jesus called Christians

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What do you think hear the word, “Christian?” Depends on who you ask.

Transformed by Christ (from law to promise)

Out of touch and idiot. (law)

Loving, Forgiving, Generous, Benevolent (promise)

Judgmental, narrow-minded, legalistic (law)

Known for their love, compassion, faithfulness. (promise)

Known for what they’re against—each other (law)

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Jesus never asked anyone to be a Christian—Disciple

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his taChrist collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matt 9:9 NLT

mathetes (math-ay-tes'); a learner, pupil, disciple, follower.

Was not about a believe structure or a methodology

Jesus asked us to live how he lived, love how he loved, do what he did!

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YOU ARE A DISCIPLE—FOLLOWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

I am Christ’s disciple… I belong to him. My life is not my own. I am crucified with Christ… I am Christ’s disciple.

You are a promise seeker!

As a follower of the promises you walk as a someone who is assured of that promise…

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1. YOU FIND A NEED AND MEET IT.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'… Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Luke 10:33-35, 37b

You are my disciple—go do same thing. Find need—meet it!

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Jesus wasn’t always casting out demons and raising dead!

Washes feet—I’ll do it!

Hungry people—I’ll feed them.

Children are lonely—I’ll play with them.

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When you meet a need—you are showing off the promise of Christ!

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matt 10:42

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2. FIND A HURT AND HEAL IT.

Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives.

Matt 9:35-36 MSG

Woman caught in adultery—stone her… Defends her—Where are those who condemn you? Go your way.

Peter—denied… Really love me… Feed my sheep!

Sinful woman: worships him—what she did will be told for yrs to come.

Your trajectory changes when you start the journey towards the promise

You can help someone else see that promise too and change their trajectory.

How can you heal? Listen. Time. Cry. Pray. Accept someone. Do life.

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By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34-35

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3. YOU DO A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS THAT JESUS ASKS YOU TO DO THAT WON’T FIT NEATLY INTO A POINT ON A PAGE.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Follow him… ride of your life!

RADICALLY LIVE THE PROMISE

Disciples left everything…

Poor widow gave everything she had…

Zachaeus—give back 4 times

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Wanted to live how he lived, love how he loved, do what he did.

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Hour a day in prayer, Serve 20 hours a week at the church…

Visit people in prisons…Lead a life group, serve in Kids, Not just tithe—double tithe, Mow neighbor’s yard, Mentor inner city kids.

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Living for Jesus won’t make sense to other people. But you are not living for other people—you are living for Christ. You are His disciple!

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Find a need and meet it—find a hurt and heal it—do something with the promise!

“Stop short only of sin to seek out those who have lost their passion for the promise!”

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Wealthy man visited impoverished city: young missionary girl cleaning sores of a sick, dirty, elderly man who’d been lying in the gutter. Said to nurse, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.”

Neither would I… I’d do it for Jesus

I’d do it for Jesus—I’m his disciple.

And He is my promise!_____________________________________________________________

[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6214k

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=TPT#fen-TPT-6214l