Our God has made us to experience great

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n We are made very different from the animals. (Gen 1: 26 -27)

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n Genesis 1: 26 -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 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.

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n An animal does not know he is going to die.

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. An animal does not know he is going to die. n An animal does not have a conscience. n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. An animal does not know he is going to die. n An animal does not have a conscience. n Being in the image of God makes us spiritual beings, not physical ones. n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. An animal does not know he is going to die. n An animal does not have a conscience. n Being in the image of God makes us spiritual beings, not physical ones. n We have the ability to both think and feel. n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. An animal does not know he is going to die. n An animal does not have a conscience. n Being in the image of God makes us spiritual beings, not physical ones. n We have the ability to both think and feel. n It is a great gift of God to use this self awareness and ability to reason to pursue God. (Ecc 3: 11 -15) n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n Ecclesiastes 3: 11 -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.

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

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n We can know what is good and rejoice in it.

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. We can know what is good and rejoice in it. n We are doing well when we can reason and see what is God’s will and then experience emotion as a by-product of that reality. n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n We are doing well when we can reason and see what is God’s will and then experience emotion as a by-product of that reality.

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. We are doing well when we can reason and see what is God’s will and then experience emotion as a by-product of that reality. n Satan often tries to block the reason upon God’s word and substitute with emotion. (2 Cor 4: 3 -4) n

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n 2 Corinthians 4: 3 -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.

Our God has made us to experience great things in life. n It is not easy to keep our eyes open and walk by faith!

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n Every person has a core, a foundation.

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ Every person has a core, a foundation. n The Lord instructs us to build our life upon Him. (Eph 2: 20; Mt 7: 24 -27) n

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n Ephesians 2: 20 - having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n Matthew 7: 24 -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.

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n 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. “

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n We build by receiving His teaching and making them a part of us!

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n This core is called a living faith. (1 Jn 5: 4 -5)

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n 1 John 5: 4 -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?

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n We can learn a lot from a children’s song.

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n It is important to have a foundation that will stand the tests of this life.

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. n Rest assured you will be tested. n

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. n Rest assured you will be tested. n Do not be like Peter and ignore the warnings of the Lord. (Lk 22: 31 -34) n

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n Luke 22: 31 -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. "

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n 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. “

We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ n What did Peter need? A peaceful serene feeling of confidence and assurance? Not if it was based upon falsehood!

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! n The reaction to the video “Why I hate Religion but Love Jesus” well illustrated two very different approaches to serving God. n

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

Some common floods we must endure n Hypocrites in the church that rise to leadership. (Psa 26: 1 -6)

Some common floods we must endure n Psalm 26: 1 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n 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,

Some common floods we must endure n It is a real challenge to continue believing in God when you can see hypocrites in the church and others do not.

Some common floods we must endure n What is a hypocrite? 1) one who answers, an interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.

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. n Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrite’s character. n

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. n Dishonesty is the foundation of the hypocrite’s character. n 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 7: 24) n

Some common floods we must endure n John 7: 24 - "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. “

Some common floods we must endure n What kind of damage did Judas do? (Jn 12: 4 -6; Lk 22: 4 -6; 48)

Some common floods we must endure n John 12: 4 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n Luke 22: 4 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n Luke 22: 48 - But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? “

Some common floods we must endure n What if someone was so disgusted that they turned away from Jesus?

Some common floods we must endure What if someone was so disgusted that they turned away from Jesus? n Betrayal by family and even by some brethren. n

Some common floods we must endure n During the destruction of Jerusalem, Christians would be betrayed by loved ones. (Mt 24: 10 -12; Mk 13: 12 -13)

Some common floods we must endure n Matthew 24: 10 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n Mark 13: 12 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n Betray - of an unjustified act of handing someone over to judicial authorities betray (MT 10. 4). .

Some common floods we must endure n Have you ever had someone violate your trust? Has someone you trusted become your enemy without a cause? Was it a brother? (Ps 55: 12 -14)

Some common floods we must endure n Psalm 55: 12 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n We can easily decide to retaliate with the same actions that the untrustworthy person has done to us. Who wins in that case?

Some common floods we must endure n How did Jesus respond to Judas? What if we chose to follow the footsteps of Jesus? (Rom 12: 21; 1 Pt 2: 23)

Some common floods we must endure n Romans 12: 21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Some common floods we must endure n 1 Peter 2: 23 - 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;

Some common floods we must endure n 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?

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? n My own sin and fall. n

Some common floods we must endure n 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.

Some common floods we must endure n Churches can promote a false sense of security. (Rev 3: 16 -19)

Some common floods we must endure n Revelation 3: 16 -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 --

Some common floods we must endure n 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.

Some common floods we must endure n 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?

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? n The Lord pursued Peter, but He challenged Peter to understand what really happened. (Jn 21: 15 -19) n

Some common floods we must endure n John 21: 15 -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. "

Some common floods we must endure n 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.

Some common floods we must endure n 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. “

Some common floods we must endure n Do not let the guilt and public humiliation of your own sin make you quit. Respond decisively by dealing with your heart issues! (Rev 3: 20 -21)

Some common floods we must endure n Revelation 3: 20 -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.

Some common floods we must endure n Can you hear the words of Jesus: “Follow Me”?

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n A Trust in God and His ways. (Psa 119: 42 -43)

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n Psalm 119: 42 -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.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n When we know the way then we can enjoy wonderful emotions.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n We can let emotion cause us to reasonably pursue God’s revelation. (Psa 119: 46 -50)

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n Psalm 119: 46 -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.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n What peace and joy to walk in the Lord’s sure way!

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life What peace and joy to walk in the Lord’s sure way! n A responsibility to be pursued. (1 Jn 5: 2 -3) n

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n 1 John 5: 2 -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.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n How many of you decide each day if you feel like going to work or taking care of your children?

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n A living faith will be filled with a joyful doing.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life A living faith will be filled with a joyful doing. n We are made to be used in service! (3 Jn 3 -4) n

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n 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.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n A principled life that pursues discernment. (Phil 1: 9 -11)

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n Philippians 1: 9 -11 - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve 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.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of feelings.

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of feelings. n When we are God centered and not man (emotion) centered, then we do not fear discernment but eagerly pursue it. n

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life We cannot decide right or wrong on the basis of feelings. n When we are God centered and not man (emotion) centered, then we do not fear discernment but eagerly pursue it. n What is at your core? (1 Pt 1: 13 -14) n

Three Pillars that faith brings to your life n 1 Peter 1: 13 -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;