Title: Our%20God%20has%20made%20us%20to%20experience%20great%20things%20in%20life.
1Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- We are made very different from the animals. (Gen
126-27)
2Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- Genesis 126-27 - Then God said, "Let Us make man
in Our image, according to Our likeness let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the
birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all
the earth and over every creeping thing that
creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in
His own image in the image of God He created
him male and female He created them.
3Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- An animal does not know he is going to die.
4Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- An animal does not know he is going to die.
- An animal does not have a conscience.
5Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- An animal does not know he is going to die.
- An animal does not have a conscience.
- Being in the image of God makes us spiritual
beings, not physical ones.
6Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- An animal does not know he is going to die.
- An animal does not have a conscience.
- Being in the image of God makes us spiritual
beings, not physical ones. - We have the ability to both think and feel.
7Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- An animal does not know he is going to die.
- An animal does not have a conscience.
- Being in the image of God makes us spiritual
beings, not physical ones. - We have the ability to both think and feel.
- It is a great gift of God to use this self
awareness and ability to reason to pursue God.
(Ecc 311-15)
8Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- Ecclesiastes 311-15 - He has made everything
beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity
in their hearts, except that no one can find out
the work that God does from beginning to end. 12
I know that nothing is better for them than to
rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and
also that every man should eat and drink and
enjoy the good of all his labor -- it is the gift
of God.
9Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be
forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing
taken from it. God does it, that men should fear
before Him. 15 That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been And God
requires an account of what is past.
10Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- We can know what is good and rejoice in it.
11Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- We can know what is good and rejoice in it.
- We are doing well when we can reason and see what
is Gods will and then experience emotion as a
by-product of that reality.
12Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- We are doing well when we can reason and see what
is Gods will and then experience emotion as a
by-product of that reality.
13Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- We are doing well when we can reason and see what
is Gods will and then experience emotion as a
by-product of that reality. - Satan often tries to block the reason upon Gods
word and substitute with emotion. (2 Cor 43-4)
14Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- 2 Corinthians 43-4 - But even if our gospel is
veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded,
who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel
of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God,
should shine on them.
15Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.
- It is not easy to keep our eyes open and walk by
faith!
16We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Every person has a core, a foundation.
17We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Every person has a core, a foundation.
- The Lord instructs us to build our life upon Him.
(Eph 220 Mt 724-27)
18We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Ephesians 220 - having been built on the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
19We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Matthew 724-27 - " Therefore whoever hears these
sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him
to a wise man who built his house on the rock
25 "and the rain descended, the floods came, and
the winds blew and beat on that house and it did
not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
20We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- 26 "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine,
and does not do them, will be like a foolish man
who built his house on the sand 27 "and the
rain descended, the floods came, and the winds
blew and beat on that house and it fell. And
great was its fall.
21We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- We build by receiving His teaching and making
them a part of us!
22We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- This core is called a living faith. (1 Jn 54-5)
23We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- 1 John 54-5 - For whatever is born of God
overcomes the world. And this is the victory that
has overcome the world -- our faith. 5 Who is he
who overcomes the world, but he who believes that
Jesus is the Son of God?
24We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- We can learn a lot from a childrens song.
25We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- It is important to have a foundation that will
stand the tests of this life.
26We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- It is important to have a foundation that will
stand the tests of this life. - Rest assured you will be tested.
27We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- It is important to have a foundation that will
stand the tests of this life. - Rest assured you will be tested.
- Do not be like Peter and ignore the warnings of
the Lord. (Lk 2231-34)
28We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Luke 2231-34 - And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon!
Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift
you as wheat. 32 "But I have prayed for you,
that your faith should not fail and when you
have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go
with You, both to prison and to death."
29We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- 34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster
shall not crow this day before you will deny
three times that you know Me.
30We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- What did Peter need? A peaceful serene feeling of
confidence and assurance? Not if it was based
upon falsehood!
31We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- What did Peter need? A peaceful serene feeling of
confidence and assurance? Not if it was based
upon falsehood! - The reaction to the video Why I hate Religion
but Love Jesus well illustrated two very
different approaches to serving God.
32We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ
- Many have reacted emotionally and let the video
represent their personal rage at hurts they have
experienced at the hands of religious people. In
their emotion they reject the laws and precepts
given by the Lord!
33Some common floods we must endure
- Hypocrites in the church that rise to leadership.
(Psa 261-6)
34Some common floods we must endure
- Psalm 261-6 - Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have
walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in
the LORD I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O
LORD, and prove me Try my mind and my heart. 3
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I
have walked in Your truth.
35Some common floods we must endure
- 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor
will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the
assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the
wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence So
I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
36Some common floods we must endure
- It is a real challenge to continue believing in
God when you can see hypocrites in the church and
others do not.
37Some common floods we must endure
- What is a hypocrite? 1) one who answers, an
interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a
dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.
38Some common floods we must endure
- What is a hypocrite? 1) one who answers, an
interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a
dissembler, pretender, hypocrite. - Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrites
character.
39Some common floods we must endure
- What is a hypocrite? 1) one who answers, an
interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a
dissembler, pretender, hypocrite. - Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrites
character. - We need to be very careful here. One who honestly
has a weakness is not a hypocrite. Also, we must
be sure about any judgement we make. (Jn 724)
40Some common floods we must endure
- John 724 - "Do not judge according to
appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.
41Some common floods we must endure
- What kind of damage did Judas do? (Jn 124-6 Lk
224-6 48)
42Some common floods we must endure
- John 124-6 - Then one of His disciples, Judas
Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him,
said, 5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for
three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6
This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but
because he was a thief, and had the money box
and he used to take what was put in it.
43Some common floods we must endure
- Luke 224-6 - So he went his way and conferred
with the chief priests and captains, how he might
betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and
agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and
sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the
absence of the multitude.
44Some common floods we must endure
- Luke 2248 - But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are
you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?
45Some common floods we must endure
- What if someone was so disgusted that they turned
away from Jesus?
46Some common floods we must endure
- What if someone was so disgusted that they turned
away from Jesus? - Betrayal by family and even by some brethren.
47Some common floods we must endure
- During the destruction of Jerusalem, Christians
would be betrayed by loved ones. (Mt 2410-12 Mk
1312-13)
48Some common floods we must endure
- Matthew 2410-12 - "And then many will be
offended, will betray one another, and will hate
one another. 11 "Then many false prophets will
rise up and deceive many. 12 "And because
lawlessness will abound, the love of many will
grow cold.
49Some common floods we must endure
- Mark 1312-13 - "Now brother will betray brother
to death, and a father his child and children
will rise up against parents and cause them to be
put to death. 13 "And you will be hated by all
for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end
shall be saved.
50Some common floods we must endure
- Betray - of an unjustified act of handing someone
over to judicial authorities betray (MT 10.4) ..
51Some common floods we must endure
- Have you ever had someone violate your trust? Has
someone you trusted become your enemy without a
cause? Was it a brother? (Ps 5512-14)
52Some common floods we must endure
- Psalm 5512-14 - For it is not an enemy who
reproaches me Then I could bear it. Nor is it
one who hates me who has exalted himself against
me Then I could hide from him. 13 But it was
you, a man my equal, My companion and my
acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together,
And walked to the house of God in the throng.
53Some common floods we must endure
- We can easily decide to retaliate with the same
actions that the untrustworthy person has done to
us. Who wins in that case?
54Some common floods we must endure
- How did Jesus respond to Judas? What if we chose
to follow the footsteps of Jesus? (Rom 1221 1
Pt 223)
55Some common floods we must endure
- Romans 1221 - Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
56Some common floods we must endure
- 1 Peter 223 - who, when He was reviled, did not
revile in return when He suffered, He did not
threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges
righteously
57Some common floods we must endure
- What if we decide that one trustworthy person
makes it unwise to trust anyone? I will never
trust anyone in this church again! Who is the
loser in that emotional reaction?
58Some common floods we must endure
- What if we decide that one trustworthy person
makes it unwise to trust anyone? I will never
trust anyone in this church again! Who is the
loser in that emotional reaction? - My own sin and fall.
59Some common floods we must endure
- We can drift and live two different lives. We can
let pride cause us to be more concerned about
reputation than about our own spiritual condition.
60Some common floods we must endure
- Churches can promote a false sense of security.
(Rev 316-19)
61Some common floods we must endure
- Revelation 316-19 - "So then, because you are
lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit
you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you say, 'I am
rich, have become wealthy, and have need of
nothing' -- and do not know that you are
wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked --
62Some common floods we must endure
- 18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in
the fire, that you may be rich and white
garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame
of your nakedness may not be revealed and anoint
your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
Therefore be zealous and repent.
63Some common floods we must endure
- Peter was one who did that which he never thought
he would do. It was now known by everyone. Was it
time for Peter to quit?
64Some common floods we must endure
- Peter was one who did that which he never thought
he would do. It was now known by everyone. Was it
time for Peter to quit? - The Lord pursued Peter, but He challenged Peter
to understand what really happened. (Jn 2115-19)
65Some common floods we must endure
- John 2115-19 - So when they had eaten
breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son
of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He
said to Him, "Yes, Lord You know that I love
You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He
said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of
Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes,
Lord You know that I love You." He said to him,
"Tend My sheep."
66Some common floods we must endure
- 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of
Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because
He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things
You know that I love You." Jesus said to him,
"Feed My sheep.
67Some common floods we must endure
- 18 "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were
younger, you girded yourself and walked where you
wished but when you are old, you will stretch
out your hands, and another will gird you and
carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He
spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify
God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him,
"Follow Me.
68Some common floods we must endure
- Do not let the guilt and public humiliation of
your own sin make you quit. Respond decisively by
dealing with your heart issues! (Rev 320-21)
69Some common floods we must endure
- Revelation 320-21 - "Behold, I stand at the door
and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the
door, I will come in to him and dine with him,
and he with Me. 21 "To him who overcomes I will
grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also
overcame and sat down with My Father on His
throne.
70Some common floods we must endure
- Can you hear the words of Jesus Follow Me?
71Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- A Trust in God and His ways. (Psa 11942-43)
72Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- Psalm 11942-43 - So shall I have an answer for
him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of
my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
73Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- When we know the way then we can enjoy wonderful
emotions.
74Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- We can let emotion cause us to reasonably pursue
Gods revelation. (Psa 11946-50)
75Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- Psalm 11946-50 - I will speak of Your
testimonies also before kings, And will not be
ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Your
commandments, Which I love. 48 My hands also I
will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes. 49
Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You
have caused me to hope.
76Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your
word has given me life.
77Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- What peace and joy to walk in the Lords sure way!
78Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- What peace and joy to walk in the Lords sure
way! - A responsibility to be pursued. (1 Jn 52-3)
79Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- 1 John 52-3 - By this we know that we love the
children of God, when we love God and keep His
commandments. 3 For this is the love of God,
that we keep His commandments. And His
commandments are not burdensome.
80Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- How many of you decide each day if you feel like
going to work or taking care of your children?
81Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- A living faith will be filled with a joyful
doing.
82Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- A living faith will be filled with a joyful
doing. - We are made to be used in service! (3 Jn 3-4)
83Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- 3 John 3-4 - For I rejoiced greatly when brethren
came and testified of the truth that is in you,
just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no
greater joy than to hear that my children walk in
truth.
84Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- A principled life that pursues discernment. (Phil
19-11)
85Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- Philippians 19-11 - And this I pray, that your
love may abound still more and more in knowledge
and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the
things that are excellent, that you may be
sincere and without offense till the day of
Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of
righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the
glory and praise of God.
86Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of
feelings.
87Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of
feelings. - When we are God centered and not man (emotion)
centered, then we do not fear discernment but
eagerly pursue it.
88Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of
feelings. - When we are God centered and not man (emotion)
centered, then we do not fear discernment but
eagerly pursue it. - What is at your core? (1 Pt 113-14)
89Three Pillars that faith brings to your life
- 1 Peter 113-14 - Therefore gird up the loins of
your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully
upon the grace that is to be brought to you at
the revelation of Jesus Christ 14 as obedient
children, not conforming yourselves to the former
lusts, as in your ignorance