Our%20God%20has%20made%20us%20to%20experience%20great%20things%20in%20life.

1
Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.

• We are made very different from the animals. (Gen
  126-27)

2
Our 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.

3
Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.

• An animal does not know he is going to die.

4
Our 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.

5
Our 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.

6
Our 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.

7
Our 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)

8
Our 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.

9
Our 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.

10
Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.

• We can know what is good and rejoice in it.

11
Our 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.

12
Our 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.

13
Our 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)

14
Our 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.

15
Our God has made us to experience great things in
life.

• It is not easy to keep our eyes open and walk by
  faith!

16
We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ

• Every person has a core, a foundation.

17
We 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)

18
We 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,

19
We 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.

20
We 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.

21
We 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!

22
We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ

• This core is called a living faith. (1 Jn 54-5)

23
We 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?

24
We need to build our lives upon the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ

• We can learn a lot from a childrens song.

25
We 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.

26
We 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.

27
We 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)

28
We 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."

29
We 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.

30
We 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!

31
We 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.

32
We 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!

33
Some common floods we must endure

• Hypocrites in the church that rise to leadership.
  (Psa 261-6)

34
Some 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.

35
Some 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,

36
Some 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.

37
Some 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.

38
Some 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.

39
Some 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)

40
Some common floods we must endure

• John 724 - "Do not judge according to
  appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.

41
Some common floods we must endure

• What kind of damage did Judas do? (Jn 124-6 Lk
  224-6 48)

42
Some 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.

43
Some 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.

44
Some common floods we must endure

• Luke 2248 - But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are
  you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?

45
Some common floods we must endure

• What if someone was so disgusted that they turned
  away from Jesus?

46
Some 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.

47
Some common floods we must endure

• During the destruction of Jerusalem, Christians
  would be betrayed by loved ones. (Mt 2410-12 Mk
  1312-13)

48
Some 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.

49
Some 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.

50
Some common floods we must endure

• Betray - of an unjustified act of handing someone
  over to judicial authorities betray (MT 10.4) ..

51
Some 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)

52
Some 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.

53
Some 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?

54
Some 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)

55
Some common floods we must endure

• Romans 1221 - Do not be overcome by evil, but
  overcome evil with good.

56
Some 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

57
Some 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?

58
Some 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.

59
Some 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.

60
Some common floods we must endure

• Churches can promote a false sense of security.
  (Rev 316-19)

61
Some 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 --

62
Some 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.

63
Some 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?

64
Some 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)

65
Some 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."

66
Some 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.

67
Some 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.

68
Some 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)

69
Some 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.

70
Some common floods we must endure

• Can you hear the words of Jesus Follow Me?

71
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• A Trust in God and His ways. (Psa 11942-43)

72
Three 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.

73
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• When we know the way then we can enjoy wonderful
  emotions.

74
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• We can let emotion cause us to reasonably pursue
  Gods revelation. (Psa 11946-50)

75
Three 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.

76
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your
  word has given me life.

77
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• What peace and joy to walk in the Lords sure way!

78
Three 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)

79
Three 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.

80
Three 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?

81
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• A living faith will be filled with a joyful
  doing.

82
Three 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)

83
Three 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.

84
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• A principled life that pursues discernment. (Phil
  19-11)

85
Three 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.

86
Three Pillars that faith brings to your life

• We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of
  feelings.

87
Three 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.

88
Three 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)

89
Three 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