Identity Precedes Purpose

A full life that still feels empty. Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 Even the best life under the sun can't satisfy a soul made for something more.

Under the sun or in the Son?

God gave you a conscience to guide you, but He provided His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to keep it calibrated. So don't stop growing, Stay in sync.

God, conscience, and the goal of love.

The thirst is real - so is the hope!

Identities & Idols

We know

His & Heard

If God Himself has testified about Jesus, why would anyone reject it and call Him a liar?

Just do it!

Born of God, Marked by Love 1 John 4:19-5:2 Our love for fellow believers is a response to God’s love and a sign that we belong to His family.

Born of God, Marked by Love 1 John 4:19-5:2 Our love for fellow believers is a response to God’s love and a sign that we belong to His family.

When we love, we show and tell the world who God is.

Why in the world are we so drawn to it? The power of God within believers enables them to resist false teachings, deception, and their own flesh.

How proofed are you?

Are you living life wide open?

Are you raising Cain or reflecting Christ?

Just as children bear distinct traits from their parents, those born of God emulate what the Father does because His seed resides within them.

Jesus is our Lord and our leader

Pray More/Love More In this stand-alone sermon, Pastor John will challenge us to walk by the Spirit through the practical application of 1 Peter 4:7-11

Since Jesus is the Good Shepherd, am I… 1. A part of His flock? 2. Hearing His voice? 3. Following His ways?

Practical ways to prepare for the coming of Jesus: Eagerly study, cheerfully receive, and intensely believe the Word Pray Prepare for Sunday service

Pursuing a life guided by the Living Hope we have in Jesus, enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit will have a huge impact on how much joy we get from Christmas and every day of our post salvation life.

God's love flows deeply into His children and redefines who we are at the very core of our being.

Be bold and unashamed of the truth of Jesus!

Intentional recalibration is necessary to ensure we follow the will the Father and do not drift toward the world's values.

People and churches dry up and die in darkness but flourish and grow in the Light.

Those who abide in Jesus walk like Jesus and love others. Those who abandoned Jesus are liars and not abiders.

"I know of no other way to triumph over sin long-term than to gain a distaste for it because of a superior satisfaction in Christ." -John Piper

Those who left the church attempted to deny their sins. They are liars. Those who stayed were confessors who acknowledged and admitted their sin. They are forgiven.

These first four verses show us that faith in the historical Jesus brings fellowship with God and others, and lasting joy.

Habakkuk closes his prophecy, reminding us to boldly stand resolute in our faith. Not in ourselves, in God. Trusting Him for the strength needed to face whatever may happen around us.

Habakkuk remembers God's acts of power and prays for their return with mercy

Head: So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10.35 (NLT) Heart: "I... love Hebrews because it is a letter to weary Christians, some of whom are standing right on the cliffs edge, tempted to "throw away [their] confidence, which has a great reward. I've been there: weary, disillusioned…

Head - God is working His plan and wants to mature your faith in the process. Heart - God is not threatened by your questions. He wants you to ask Him and find answers. Hands - Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

When we turn our eyes away from Jesus, we live as if God isn't real.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25

Paul’s is concerned that those he thought were saved by his ministry might not be saved. Those concerns turn to warnings in Chapter 13. The consequences were going to be severe. Were they real believers, or phonies?

1. Do I believe the gospel? 2. Am I allowing the gospel to transform my mind? 3. Do I see the Church as my identity? 4. Am I allowing the church to impact and shape my spiritual life?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...

God is relational. God created us to need others. Sin wants us alone.

Head - Jesus enables people like us to love like him Heart - If we love God most, we will love others best Hands - Do you need to choose to forgive someone?

Head - Encountering Jesus and living with thorns are both gifts from God. Heart - Am I living for His story? Hands - God invites you to encounter Jesus in His Word and boast in your weaknesses.

Head - The foolishness of godly weakness overpowers the appeal of human strength. Heart - "The danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and the grace for humility too." - Andrew Murray Hands - How can you apply what you have learned from your trials and suffering to connect with others and help them grow in Christlikeness?…

Head - We follow Jesus- He was humble and did not promote Himself. Heart - Union with Christ will protect your heart from foolishness. Hands - Humbly admit to your foolishness and susceptibility. But more than that, celebrate the new wisdom that is yours in Christ.

Head - Lord, I know that my works can mask my motives Heart - Help me be truly motivated out of love for you Hands - Help me to live differently being transformed through your word

Are You Recognizing "False Gospels"?

Is there anything in your life that is prompting you to boast in the Lord?

Disappointed?