Remember you get to sleep an extra hour Sunday morning! Set your clocks back Saturday night and get some rest.
This Sundays message is on how to be unshockable and unshakable. Living in this world can shock you and shake your faith. God wants to make islands of stability of us in a storm of Chaos. We can get so pulled into the events of the week we lose or footing and join the mob of angry paranoid reactors. This is exactly what the devil wants. The enemy always seeks to divide and distract us from our mission to lovingly reach people with the good news of Jesus. Satan does all he can to push us to keep our flesh in control and our anger and fear stoked. This is what the bible warns us about.
James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (15) This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. (16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
It’s important to notice what demonic inspired behavior looks like.
Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder or confused chaos, every evil thing.
The worst thing of all is we turn on the very people we are called to kindly reach. We lose sight that they are not our enemies but captives of our enemy.
2 Timothy 2:25-26 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, (26) and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
This Sunday you can learn how to move from chaos to calm. For this to happen YOU NEED TO COME AND LISTEN. Everyone around you needs you to be this kind of Christian. I can’t wait to share this with you and the one you bring.
Blessings,
Joe
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
To get ready please read the following scriptures and consider the questions that follow.
1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (14) If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (15) Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; (16) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. (17) For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (18) AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? (19) Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
- How do you react when you are shocked? Share an example.
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
- Are we to expect trials?
- How can fear or anger affect your response?
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
James 1:20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
- What are right or wrong reasons Christians are criticized and suffer?
1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (15) Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler. (16) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
- Why is it important that we start with our own lives before we talk about unbelievers?
1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
- Why is it essential to remember unbelievers are not your real enemy?
2 Timothy 2:25-26 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, (26) and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will
- What happens when we see the devil’s captives as the enemy?
- Why is kindness to unbelievers so important in spiritual warfare?
Romans 2:4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
- How can well-meaning religious people become tools of satan?
Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (15) This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. (16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. - How can we pray for you specifically?
