Teaching: The Meaning and Significance of Ash Wednesday

Introduction:
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day journey (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation. The ashes serve as a reminder of our mortality and the call to repentance. They connect us with the ancient practice of mourning and humility before God (Job 42:6, Daniel 9:3).

1. The Significance of Ashes:
Ashes symbolize three key aspects of our faith journey:

• Mourning and Repentance: Ashes were used in the Bible as a sign of mourning and repentance. Job sat in ashes (Job 42:6), and the people of Nineveh used ashes when they repented (Jonah 3:6).
• Mortality: The ashes remind us of Genesis 3:19, "For you are dust, and to dust, you shall return." Life is fragile, and our days are numbered.
• Purification and Renewal: Ash has also been used in ancient practices of purification. It symbolizes the fire of God's holiness that purifies us from sin.

2. The Call to Repentance:
In Joel 2:12-13, God calls His people to return to Him with all their hearts. This return involves genuine repentance, not just outward expressions like tearing garments but an inward transformation. Lent is a season to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God.

3. Fasting and Spiritual Discipline:
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 emphasizes that our fasting and repentance are not for show but for a deeper intimacy with God. Lent is not just about giving up physical comforts but about making room for spiritual renewal.

• Fasting: It can be from food, media, habits—anything that creates space for God.
• Prayer: Deepen your communication with God, listening as much as speaking.
• Giving: Serve others and give generously, reflecting Christ's love.

4. The Hope of Resurrection:
While Ash Wednesday is somber, it is not without hope. The ashes are in the shape of a cross—a symbol not just of death but of resurrection. Even as we confront our sinfulness and mortality, we look forward to the victory of Easter and the new life offered in Christ.

Conclusion: A Call to Action
This Ash Wednesday, let us approach God with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for His grace. May our Lenten journey be marked by repentance, reflection, and renewal. As we carry the mark of ashes, let us also carry the hope of the cross, living as people transformed by the grace of God.

Closing Prayer:
"Lord, as we embark on this Lenten journey, help us to draw near to You. May the ashes on our foreheads be a reminder of our mortality and a mark of our hope in the resurrection. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Amen."

This Ash Wednesday observance and teaching is based on the traditions of Western Christianity, particularly those found in liturgical denominations such as:

• Roman Catholic Church
• Anglican Communion (including Episcopalian)
• Lutheran Church
• Methodist Church
• Some Reformed and Presbyterian traditions

These denominations observe Ash Wednesday as the start of the Lenten season, a 40-day period of repentance, fasting, and preparation for Easter. The imposition of ashes is a traditional ritual where ashes, typically made from the previous year's Palm Sunday palms, are applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross. The phrase "Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return" (Genesis 3:19) is often recited during this practice.

The scriptural focus on repentance, humility, and preparation is drawn from biblical passages traditionally associated with Ash Wednesday, such as Joel 2:12-13, Matthew 6:16-18, and Psalm 51. The teaching emphasizes the themes of mortality, repentance, and renewal, which align with the historical and theological foundations of the day within these traditions.

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Teaching for Men's Breakfast... Get Up

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

• What Does Salt Do?
  • Salt preserves: It keeps things from spoiling. We’re called to preserve the truth in a world of compromise.
  • Salt enhances: It brings out the flavor in food. As followers of Christ, we enhance the world by living in a way that reflects God’s goodness.
  • Salt creates thirst: Are people thirsting for what you have because they see the difference Christ makes in your life?
• What Does Light Look Like in Darkness?
  • Light exposes: It shows what’s hidden in the dark. Are we living in a way that reveals hope and truth?
  • Light guides: It helps people find their way. Your life should point others toward Jesus.
• What Keeps Me Salty?
  • Stay in the Word.
  • Pray daily.
  • Surround yourself with godly men who hold you accountable.
  • Serve others—you’re never more like Christ than when you serve.
• Examples of Being Salty and Light:
  • Praise in the valley like you’re on the mountaintop.
  • Praise in the ER like you’re already in recovery.
  • Praise in the middle of the battle because the war has already been won.
• “GET UP!”
  • When life knocks you down, Christ says, “GET UP!” Be salty. Be a light.
  • “GET UP and GET YOU SOME, SON!” (Son of God, that is.)

Questions

• What does it mean to be "the salt of the earth" in your everyday life? How can you preserve truth and bring out God’s goodness in your family, work, or community?
• Think about a time when you felt like you were in complete darkness. What brought light into your situation? How can you now be that light for someone else?
• What are some practical ways to stay salty and keep your light shining? Are there areas of your life where you feel like your salt has lost its flavor or your light has dimmed?
• Jesus says to "let your light shine before others." What are some specific ways you can shine your light this week, especially in difficult or dark circumstances?
• When life knocks you down, what helps you GET UP and keep going? How can the men in this room help hold you accountable to get back up when times are tough?

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Teaching for Men's Breakfast: "Because of…"

Introduction
Imagine for a moment that you have been given complete freedom to choose what you want to do for a living, with no barriers. What would your life look like? What would you be doing? Who would be there with you? Are you fulfilling that vision now, or has life taken you in a different direction?

At 19 years old, I found myself at a crossroads. I felt a deep call into ministry that I couldn’t ignore. This calling took me on several trips to Africa as a missionary, and at one point, I even lived there for six months. Those experiences were transformative and life-changing, setting me on a path toward pastoral ministry. But as with all of us, there have been moments where I had to ask myself why I made certain choices, and what truly motivated me to follow this call.

Scriptural Focus
Let’s look at some scriptures that reveal a deeper understanding of how motivations and actions are shaped by something more significant. Each passage speaks to a relationship or cause that drives action.

John 6:57 (ESV)
"As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me."

• In this verse, Jesus explains His life’s source: His relationship with the Father. Just as He lives because of the Father, we too are sustained when we "feed on Him," when we trust and follow Him in every part of our lives.

Romans 8:10 (ESV)
"But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

• Paul speaks here about the contrast between death and life. Sin brings death to the body, but the Spirit brings life, "because of righteousness." The life we live, spiritually, is rooted in Christ’s righteousness, which changes us from the inside out.

Mark 6:14-29 (ESV)
"14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, 'John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.' 15 But others said, 'He is Elijah.' And others said, 'He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, 'John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.'

17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.' 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.' 23 And he vowed to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.' 24 And she went out and said to her mother, 'For what should I ask?' And she said, 'The head of John the Baptist.' 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, 'I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb."

• Herod’s actions were tragic. Even though he was reluctant to have John killed, his fear of breaking an oath and losing face in front of his guests drove him to carry out an unjust act. His decision was based on fear, guilt, and the pressure of others’ expectations.

The "Because Of" Moment
If we pause and reflect on these passages, a powerful phrase emerges: "because of."

Jesus says He lives because of the Father. Our spiritual life is made possible because of Christ’s righteousness. And in the case of Herod, he was driven to take a destructive action because of his fear and pride.

At 19, I didn’t know where my call to ministry would take me, but I knew I was stepping into something greater because of the experiences God was giving me. My time as a missionary in Africa wasn’t easy, but it shaped me. It became clear that my decisions in life needed to be rooted in God’s calling and not in fear, pride, or excuses.

This brings us to the central question: What is your "because of"? Are you living because of your faith in Christ, or are you held back because of fear, pressure, or other distractions?

Discussion Questions

1. What is your "because of"? – In John 6:57 and Romans 8:10, what motivates you to live and act? Are your choices motivated by faith and trust in God, or something else?
2. What do you think held Herod back? – Looking at Herod’s actions in Mark 6 and Matthew 14, what excuses drove his decision-making? Can you relate to this struggle in your own life?
3. Motivation vs. Excuse – In your own life, how do you differentiate between motivations that come from God and excuses that hold you back? How can we strengthen the "because of" that connects us to God rather than to fear?
4. What is God calling you to do "because of" Him? – Reflecting on Jesus' words, how can you live more fully "because of" your relationship with the Father, as Jesus did?

Takeaway
The question of “because of” in your life is one of deep significance. What motivates your decisions? Are they aligned with God’s purpose and righteousness, or do they stem from fear or external pressures? As you reflect this week, let the life Christ offers be your "because of" and let His righteousness guide your choices.

Challenge for the Week
Identify one area of your life where your decisions have been driven by fear or pressure. This week, take a step in faith and trust God with that area, letting His Spirit guide you instead.


Bonus Scripture:

Matthew 14:1-12 (ESV)
"1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, 'This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.' 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, 'It is not lawful for you to have her.' 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, 'Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.' 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus."

• Matthew’s account mirrors Mark’s, further highlighting the weight of Herod’s decision. This was a man controlled "because of" fear, guilt, and pride, ultimately leading to tragedy.

Scripture
Acts 1:8 

This sermon emphasizes the importance of relationships within the church community, arguing that true Christian life is about more than just an individual relationship with God; it’s about being part of a community. The sermon opens with a personal story about climbing Half Dome, illustrating the idea that we achieve more together than alone. The pastor highlights the power of influence that each believer has, rooted in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), and the unique gifts each person brings to the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:8–10). The sermon also discusses the enemy's strategies to render believers powerless, such as through sin, complicating faith, and isolation.

The core of the message is that Christianity is not just about "God and me" but about "God and us." The pastor challenges the audience to see the church as a community where relationships matter, supported by the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and fellow Christians. The sermon ends by stressing the impact of being known, offering hospitality, and bearing one another's burdens. This communal life leads to personal growth, stronger faith, and a powerful message to the next generation.




Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• How does the sermon illustrate the power of community in the Christian faith through the story of climbing Half Dome?
• What are the three main strategies the enemy uses to weaken believers, according to the sermon?
• In what ways does the sermon suggest that our faith can become too complicated, and how can we simplify it?
• Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of being in a relationship with other Christians, and what are the consequences of isolation?
• What message does the sermon convey about the role of Scripture and prayer in a believer's life, especially in the context of community?

Additional Scripture

• Acts 1:8 
• Hebrews 12:24, 25 
• Mark 2:1-12
• Colossians 3:12-14
• John 13:34
• Luke 5:1-11
• Matthew 18:20
• 2 Timothy 3:16

Prayer 

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Scripture
1 Peter 5:6-11
Peter addresses the reality of living in a hostile world and emphasizes the presence of the devil, our spiritual adversary (literally "hostile enemy). Satan is described as a prowling lion, seeking to devour believers. Understanding that reality, Christians are to be sober-minded and watchful.

We must be careful to avoid falling into either extreme of over-belief or under-belief in the devil's influence. We should not be superstitious and overly fearful. We should also not be skeptical and overly dismissive. Instead, we should "resist him."

We resist by standing firm in our faith and relying on God's strength. We resist by employing and utilizing the armor of God. We resist by not "giving opportunities" to the devil by allowing him to use our own sin. By doing so, believers can effectively and confidently resist the devil's schemes.

Peter promises that after our undefined period of suffering, God, who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. Regardless of how long we suffering, it will always be temporary. God will ultimately bring victory and restoration. Peter fittingly concludes with a doxology, redirecting our focus to God's dominion and power, affirming that to Him be the dominion forever and ever.




Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• What insight does Peter's metaphor of a lion imply about his tactics?
• How do we practically follow Peter's advice of being sober-minded and watchful?
• How specifically can believers resist the devil, according to Peter and the supporting scriptures mentioned in the sermon?
• What promises does Peter give to those who suffer for a little while, and how does this provide hope and encouragement?

Additional Scripture

• Titus 1:5
• Acts 14:21-22
• Mark 10:42–45
• Proverbs 3

Prayer 

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Scripture
1 Peter 5:1-5 

Authority is a universal need for any group to function effectively, whether in schools, sports teams, or churches. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of authority, from the laws given to Moses to the roles of prophets, priests, and kings. In the New Testament, appointing elders in the church was a priority to ensure proper oversight and leadership.

Authority and submission to authority are both necessary within the church. Peter instructs elders to shepherd the flock willingly and by example, avoiding compulsion or selfish gain. Others are urged to submit to their elders. However, both leaders and followers must practice humility to create a harmonious and cooperative community. This balance of humble authority and submission is essential for maintaining order and minimizing hostility within the church.



Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• How does the concept of authority in the Bible compare to contemporary views on leadership and accountability?
• Why is humility essential for both leaders and followers in minimizing hostility?
• In what ways can leaders avoid becoming domineering, and instead, lead by example?
• What does it practically mean that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble?"

Additional Scripture

• Titus 1:5
• Acts 14:21-22
• Mark 10:42–45
• Proverbs 3

Prayer

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SIGN LANGUAGE

• Free Will Behavior
• Negative Consequences
• God's Way Out
• Opportunities to Change
• Positive Consequences 
  • Forgiveness
  • Mercy 
  • Spiritual Strength
• God's Calling for Me

con·se·quence
/ˈkänsəkwəns,ˈkänsəˌkwens/
noun
plural noun: consequences

• a result or effect of an action or condition.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding In all ways acknowledge Him And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to man But its end is the way of death

TABLE DISCUSSION

• When in your life have you ignored God's attempt to help you? What happened?
• When in your life have you allowed God to help you? What happened?

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Scripture
1 Peter 4:7-11 

Peter urgently reminds us to live with purpose and love in the limited time we have, to be sober-minded. How I live today matters for eternity. Because we don’t have a lot of time, we should have a lot of love. Love should be elevated above all else, transcending the temporary pursuits of wealth, pleasure, fame, and all other pursuits. It's a call to invest in what truly lasts beyond our earthly existence.

Love has the power to cover a multitude of sins. As opposed to hatred, which only stirs up strife, love has a way of offering forgiveness instead of retaliation, hope instead of hostility, grace, and mercy instead of keeping a record of wrongs.


Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• How can you daily live self-controlled and sober-minded with the understanding that how you live today matters for eternity?
• Discuss why love is the thing we should pursue above all other pursuits.
• How does the idea that "love covers a multitude of sins" change the way you approach conflicts or offenses within your personal relationships?
• How does the love that Jesus gives to you impact the kind of love you should give to others?

Additional Scripture

• Matthew 26:40-41
• James 5:19-20
• 1 Corinthians 13

Prayer

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Scripture
1 Peter 4:1–5 

Peter offers a graphic description of a society engulfed in debauchery—a picture startlingly similar to certain segments of American culture. He challenges us, as followers of Christ, to live differently from the world around us, calling us to pursue the goodwill of God instead of human passions.

An inevitable consequence of such a choice is that we often face misunderstanding, judgment, and even maligning from others. This societal backlash can feel like a form of suffering, as Peter notes, but it's also a testament to living a life that is starkly different from the world's standards.

Peter uses the example of Christ's suffering to urge us to arm ourselves with the same mindset—that suffering for doing good is not only expected but is transformative. By choosing God's will over fleshly desires, we symbolically and practically 'cease from sin', breaking the power of sin in our lives. This choice marks a profound break with our past lives and demonstrates a commitment to living for God.


Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• How can Christians today arm themselves with the mindset of Christ to endure suffering for doing good in a society that often celebrates debauchery?
• What are some practical ways to live for the good will of God rather than human passions in your daily life?
• How does suffering for righteousness help sever the power of sin in our lives, according to Peter?
• Can you share a personal experience where choosing not to participate in sin led to feeling maligned or judged?

Additional Scripture

• Romans 6:1-2,5-7
• Ephesians 5:15-21
• 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Prayer

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Scripture
1 Peter 3:11-15 

Peter addresses the very real challenge of suffering for righteousness. This kind of suffering is unique because it stems from doing good and aligning with God's good will which often conflicts with worldly values. This kind of suffering is not just an external challenge but an internal battle against the fear of losing human favor, which can deeply impact our sense of identity and worth.

Peter encourages us not to be afraid of or troubled by such opposition, but instead, to seek God's approval instead of man's approval. We honor Christ. By doing so, we maintain a good conscience, ensuring that even when we are slandered, our good behavior in Christ might produce a positive witness to those who are watching.

We shift our focus from fearing man to revering God, recognizing His supreme authority and seeking His approval above all. This shift not only liberates us from the fear of human judgment but empowers us to live out our faith authentically, even in the face of adversity.

Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions:

• How can Christians practically prepare themselves to defend their faith with gentleness and respect in everyday situations?
• What are some examples of suffering for righteousness in today's society, and how should Christians respond to them?
• How does fearing God instead of fearing man change our approach to challenges and conflicts?
• In what ways can suffering for doing good be a blessing, as Peter suggests?
• How can Christians support one other who might face isolation or rejection because of their righteousness?

Additional Scripture

• Proverbs 16:7
• 2 Timothy 2:24-25
• Hebrews 13:18

Prayer

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Scripture
1 Peter 3:1-8

We tackled the challenging topic of gender roles and marriage as framed within the biblical context, particularly focusing on the different roles assigned to husbands and wives. Scripture advises wives to submit to their husbands so that even those who do not believe may be won over by their conduct, emphasizing a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight. For husbands, the directive is to live with their wives in an understanding way, honoring them as co-heirs of the grace of life. This instruction does not stem from a value judgment but from a recognition of different strengths and roles within a marital relationship, ensuring that both partners support each other.

While men and women have different physical abilities, both are equally valuable in the eyes of God. Neither husband nor wife is superior or inferior (See Galatians 3:28-29).

Husbands are responsible for protecting, providing for, and leading their wives through life's challenges, helping them flourish with self-sacrificial love and encouragement.

Submission means a wife is supportive of her husband’s responsibility to protect, provide for, and lead through life's challenges, helping her flourish with self-sacrificial love and encouragement.


Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions

• How can husbands and wives embody their biblical roles in a modern context without compromising their personal beliefs or societal expectations?
• In what ways does mutual respect and understanding within a marriage reflect the greater biblical commandment to love one another?
• How can Christian couples navigate conflicts that arise from differing interpretations of "submission" and "honor" in their relationship?
• What are practical examples of how a wife can support her husband's leadership while still fostering her individual strengths and abilities?
• How can the church support Christian couples in understanding and applying these biblical principles in their marriages, especially in a world with evolving views on gender roles?

Additional Scripture

• Ephesians 5:21-25
• John 5:30
• Galatians 3:28-29

Prayer

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Scripture
1 Peter 1:22-2:1 

Sunday Refresher
Hostility is contagious. In our lives, whether at work, school, or home, hostility has a way of seeping in and affecting us more deeply than we might expect. It's like bringing home the stress of a bad day—it infects our safe spaces and can negatively impact our relationships.
Hostility usually provokes either retaliation or resentment. Peter, however, offers a third way.

When our hearts are transformed through the power of the Gospel and our souls are purified, we are then able to have a sincere and earnest love. This transformation, sparked by our rebirth through the imperishable word of God, calls us to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and instead embody the new life Christ has given us. We must actively shed these old behaviors as if they were filthy garments.
 
This is how Christians are called to live—not as those who stoke flames of conflict, but as those who carry water to extinguish them, promoting a contagion of love.


Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions

• What does it mean to "purify your souls by your obedience to the truth" in the context of facing hostility?
• How does Peter suggest we handle the contagious nature of hostility within our communities?
• What are the practical steps Peter outlines for believers to transform from old behaviors to new ones in 1 Peter 1:22-25?
• How does the metaphor of removing dirty work clothes relate to spiritual renewal and behavior change in believers?
• How can sincere and earnest love among Christians act as a counterforce to the hostility and division often seen in society?

Additional Scripture

• Romans 12:9
• Isaiah 40:9
• Matthew 24:35

Prayer

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Scripture
1 Peter 1:13–21

Sunday Refresher
Hope alone is not a strategy. It must be combined with action. Hope is essential, but it needs to be more than just wishful thinking; it must inspire us to prepare our minds for action and lead us to actively live out our faith. As Christians, we're called to "gird the loins of our minds", staying alert and sober, fully setting our hope on the grace of Jesus Christ and his imminent return.

Living out this hope means not only being prepared mentally but also transforming our lives to reflect the holiness called for by our faith. We are urged to move beyond the passions of our former ignorance and embrace a life dedicated to God. This isn't just about moral living but about being wholly dedicated to God's purpose, living in awe and reverence of His sacrificial love for us. It's about ensuring our hearts and actions are aligned with the powerful, living hope that comes from Jesus—hope that is not passive, but actively shapes how we think and live every day.

Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions

• What does it mean to "prepare your minds for action"? What are some ways to do so practically?
• How can Christians ensure that their hope is not just wishful thinking but a driving force for living a life dedicated to God's purpose?
• How can the principle of being "sober-minded" impact a believer's daily life and decision-making processes?
• What does it look like for us to daily live lives that are dedicated and consecrated to God?

Additional Scripture

• Ephesians 2:5–6
• Philippians 3:10
• Romans 15:13
• Leviticus 11:44

Prayer

 

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Struggling with Christ

1 Peter 1:1 – We are God’s elect, and we are exiles.

1 Peter 5:8 – The devil is looking to devour YOU.

Romans 7:14-15, 18-19, 21 – You are both animal in the flesh, and Godly spirit.

• There is a war in the world.
• There is a war in your body.
• Evil is sitting beside you, whispering in your ear.

1 Peter 4:12-16 – Do not be surprised by what you are going through. All Christians deal with suffering.

• I recommend studying the lives of Peter, Paul, David, and Job

1 Peter 1 – We suffer to prove our faith and to bring praise, glory, and honor to God. We must set our hope on Jesus. We are judged as individuals for our faith, so we must not conform to our evil desires, but be holy and focus on the work that God has set out for us.

Challenge (Homework)

• Study 1 Peter
  • Read it section by section
  • Write out each section. Re-write any parts that are confusing to you.
  • Seek out parallel passages – see what the rest of the bible has to say about what you are reading
    • Use citations in the text or search online
  • What does it mean to you?
    • Journal about what God is specifically telling you through the passage.
      
      
• Renew your mind (Romans 12:2)
  • Identify the lies that Satan is telling you through your thoughts or emotions. Write it down.
  • Identify the truth that God is telling you through 1 Peter, through your study of the parallel verses, and through prayer. Write it down.
  • Create a “mantra” based on what God is telling you, that addresses all of the lies of Satan. 
    • Write it
    • Say it
    • Pray it
    • Until you believe it

Resources:

• YouVersion Bible App Study Plan: Winning The War In Your Mind

Craig Groeschel’s Sermon Series available on YouTube through Life.Church: Search Winning the War in Your Mind.

Table Discussion

• Who in the Bible brings you the most inspiration?
• What did they struggle with?

Download the Field Guide below:

Scripture
1 Peter 1:3-9

Sunday Refresher
I want to emphasize the absolute necessity of hope in our lives, especially as we navigate the tumultuous and often hostile environment of our fallen world. Without hope, we're left without resilience and perseverance. Every day, we're tempted to place our hope in worldly things—our skills, our health, our relationships, or our financial stability. However, these sources of hope are fragile; they are tested by life’s challenges and often crumble under pressure, revealing their inability to sustain us through our trials.

This is why Peter urges us to embrace a superior kind of hope—the living hope available through Jesus Christ. This hope is unlike any other; it is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, securely kept in heaven for us. It's a hope that not only survives but thrives under the pressures and trials of life because it's grounded in the eternal victory of Jesus' resurrection. We must reject all lesser hopes and anchor ourselves in this steadfast, unshakable hope that has the power to sustain us through anything we face, providing us with peace and joy as we look forward to our ultimate salvation.

Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions

• What are the key differences between "living hope" and the typical hopes people have in their daily lives?
• How does the sermon describe the impact of trials on lesser hopes, and what is the intended outcome of these trials according to the sermon?
• Why is the hope described as "living" particularly significant in the context of the resurrection?
• Can you explain the metaphor of hope as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul"? What does this imply about the nature of hope in adversity?
• How does the sermon suggest one should respond when their lesser hopes are challenged or fail?

Additional Scriptures

• Hebrews 6:19
• Romans 15:13

Prayer

The book of 1 Peter is an encouraging letter written that offers hope, guidance, and support to Christians who are facing various trials and hardships because of their faith.

1 Peter encourages steadfast faith and spiritual growth amidst persecution. Peter reassures believers that their trials are temporary and serve a greater purpose in refining their faith, much like gold is refined by fire.

He emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, being humble, and submitting to God's will as a testimony of their faith to others. Moreover, that suffering is part of the Christian journey, encouraging believers to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

The letter also underscores the importance of unity, love, and support within the community to withstand external pressures and internal conflicts.

Join us at 8:45 and 10:30 on Sunday mornings a we navigate this book together as the community of Expedition.

- Pastor Donovan Christian

Wayfinding

• Set the course.
• Maintain the course.
• Reach the destination.
  
  

Expedition- A journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective.
Why we journey- to fulfill the great commandment and the great commission to make disciples who love God and people.

How we journey, how we choose to travel.

• Authenticity
• Community
• Intentionality
• Compassion
• Simplicity
• Kingdom- As citizens of Jesus’ kingdom, we will actively engage with, but be distinctly different from the culture of the world.
• Succession

To which, of course, you say, “What in the world does that mean?”

PRAY
Pic.- 1979 FSBC Photo - 100 kids.
Fast-forward to 2014, 35 years later.
Pic. 2014 FSBC Announcement

“They have an aging congregation of about 40 people (average age of 82) and wanted to leave the best legacy possible by ensuring that the ministry they started continues with the next generation.”

I don’t tell you that story to cast fault or to lay blame, I tell you that story as a cautionary tale. The question, of course, to ask, is how to we keep that from happening? Succession.

I had a conversation recently with a 25-year-old. “I love Expedition, I appreciate Expedition, but it feels like I go to a church that belongs to someone else.”

That broke my heart. We cannot have a church that doesn’t feel like it belongs to every generation. They are not the church of the future, they are the church… today. Right now.

It’s not just about what happens in the local church. It’s bigger than that. The final chapters of Deuteronomy talk about the succession of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

SUCCESSION

As his time on earth draws to a close, God told Moses to write a song, often called “The Song of Moses,” and teach it to the people.

Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.

Moses says, “Think about and reflect on the past and the wisdom that God has given over generations. Talk with older family members and elders who can give you insight and valuable lessons learned from their personal experiences.”

Psalm 71:18
So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 145:4–7
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts…They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

We are stewards of proclaiming the goodness of God and his kingdom. We carry the flame. As older generations age, it is imperative that the way of Jesus be handed down.

Succession is not about trying to be modern or hip or cool. They don’t care if you’re cool, they care if you care. They care if Jesus makes a difference. The church needs spiritual fathers and spiritual mothers. The church needs spiritual grandfathers and spiritual grandmothers. The church needs spiritual aunts and uncles.

Titus 2:2–8
[2] Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. [3] Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, [4] and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. [6] Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. [7] Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, [8] and sound speech that cannot be condemned…

Wisdom and experience and time and maturity saying, “You’re going to be okay. Jesus loves you. I’m with you in it. Teach. Challenge. Encourage. Pray.”

Do you older men and women feel the challenge of that? To live as an example and an inspiration? To provide them with models of godly and mature Christian living that they can follow? To tangibly show them what it looks like to follow Christ?
The greatest thing we can do to ensure succession is to do a great job at our mission and values. Be committed to making disciples. Tell people about Jesus and help them to grow to become more like Jesus. Love God well. Love one another well. Be authentic, live in community, be intentional, demonstrate compassion, pursue simplicity, value Kingdom living and of course… succession.

I did some demographic research and 20-40 year olds in Payson = 3,315

Every number has a name and every name has a story and every story matters to God.

10% = 330

God wants you to see every single one of them. God wants you to see them at Home Depot. God wants you to see them at the park. God wants you to see them in your neighborhood and at work and God wants you to feel a burden for them.

Barna Research

• 33% 18–35-year-olds say they feel deeply cared for by those around them (2,221 in Payson who do not feel deeply cared for by those around them.)
• 32% say someone believes in them (2,254 in Payson who do not feel like someone believes in them.)
• 25% acknowledge feelings of loneliness and isolation. (828 in Payson)

What might it look like if we did this well?

VISION

I want marriages to be rescued. I want 20 and 30-year-olds who are getting destroyed by an anti-Christ culture to be liberated. I want addiction to be never started in the first place.

I want hundreds of children running around this place.

I want to ask for a lot of financial resources to be freed up in this direction. I’m praying that hundreds of thousands of dollars would come in to staff towards it and fund ministries. I want you to prayerful consider how you might do that.

Staffing. Shelly’s making a transition out of children’s ministry. We don’t want to just keep doing what we’ve done. We want to do even more.

It’s not just finances or ministries, it’s you. It’s you giving time.

There should be a waiting list to help with our kid's ministry or to work with our middle schoolers and high schoolers.

If you’re over 40, we need you to give and invest and sacrifice and serve and support.

Empty nesters volunteering to watch kids so young parents can go out on a date.

If you’re sensing just how significant this is. If you’re thinking, “We’ve got to pray about this.” You’re right. We’re going to do just that tonight at 6pm.

Questions:

• How can marriages be rescued from the influences of an anti-Christ culture?
• In what ways can the vision of having hundreds of children actively participating in the community be achieved?
• What strategies can be employed to ensure substantial financial resources are directed towards funding these ministries?
• How can empty nesters be encouraged to contribute to the community by volunteering for roles like watching children?
• What role does prayer play in mobilizing the community to support and expand children's and youth ministries?

Wayfinding

• Set the course.
• Maintain the course.
• Reach the destination.
  
  

Expedition- A journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective.

Why we journey- to fulfill the great commandment and the great commission to make disciples who love God and people.

How we journey, how we choose to travel.

• Authenticity
• Community
• Intentionality
• Compassion
• Simplicity
  
  

As we travel, we will experience societies and cultures and circumstances that are either unfamiliar or unique and often will be unsettling.

Why would we add a new value to our church?

The world we live in is very different from when we started 15 years ago.

Changing norms on sexuality.

• When is sex appropriate? 
• Who to have sex with? 
• Couples and thruples.
• Transgender issues.

Declining confidence in institutions.

• Though many still say they are spiritual, fewer Americans identify with a specific religious group.
• Public schools, medical professionals, banks, criminal justice system.

Changes in Work Culture

• Remote work (accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic), debates around work-life balance.

Rise of Social Media

• How we consume news, engage in public discourse, and maintain social relationships.
• Political polarization, racial and social justice causes.

As followers of Jesus who are on a journey through life, how should we engage with and interact with people who are not followers of Jesus? I want to show you a diagram that’s a little complicated, but I think it’s helpful.

• Passive- Not try to engage with or shape society and culture at all.
• Active- Engaging significantly in shaping society and culture.
• Little common grace- God doesn’t care about the non-spiritual and the non-Christian.
  
  

Isolationists.
Full of common grace- God greatly cares about the non-Christian.

“Culture is actually beating people up. Left to their own devices without God, people will take blow after blow—perhaps without even realizing that it’s culture delivering the pain.”  - Bruce Ashford

Two Kingdoms

• Distinction between the responsibilities and operations of the church and the non-church.
• Christians are part of both realms, but navigate their roles within each separately.
• “We’re going to do our thing, let them do theirs.”
• Downside: Significant influence on the “Christian world” but little on non-Christians.

Relevance

• Adapts to and learns from culture. Embrace culture and bring it into the Church. Build churches that are mirrors of the culture.
• People feel optimistic about secular culture (marketing methods, capitalism, environmentalism…)
• “We’re going to join with them.”
• Downside: Skeptical or even critical of Christian doctrine. Often critique the church more than the culture. Usually end up sacrificing doctrines and moral beliefs that run contrary to the culture. By becoming a reflection of culture, the church can lose its position as a champion of a better way to live.

Counterculturalist

• The church can’t learn from or adapt to culture because it’s completely foreign.
• Purpose is to challenge society by being distinct.
• “We’re going to stay away from them.”
• Downside: Little to no influence on society or impact on the non-Christian world.

   

Transformationist

• Transform culture by living out the Christian worldview in their various spheres of life.
• Involvement in politics, economics, the arts, media and education.
• “We’re going to take them over.”
• Downside: Over-dependence on the non-Christian world. Wrongly believes that one must control all things to have an impact. Over-reliance on secular institutions like government.


John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world…

John 17:15–18
[15] I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.


As Christians, we are Christ’s ambassadors—we represent another world, another kingdom, while living in the midst of this one. Representatives of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

As ambassadors, we are fully immersed in the culture, but everything about us points back to the one we serve. This doesn’t mean we agree with everything culture does, but we learn to understand it and speak its language, identify its true desires—all with the intention of showing how Christ is the only one who can correctly fulfill those well-meaning (though often misplaced) desires.

Questions:

• How do the values of authenticity, community, intentionality, compassion, and simplicity influence our journey as Christians according to the teaching?
• Considering the teaching's perspective on societal changes, why might it be important for a church to adapt or maintain its values?
• In what ways does the teaching suggest Christians should engage with cultures and societies that do not follow Jesus?
• How does the teaching explain the role of Christians as ambassadors in a world with shifting cultural and societal norms?
• What are the potential downsides of the approaches like isolationism, relevance, counterculturalism, and transformationism as discussed in the teaching?

Scripture Breakdown (spoken/transcribed):

John chapter 18 verse 36, these are the words of Jesus. And if you don't know this about the life of Jesus towards the end of his life, things got a little bit chaotic, arrest, crucifixion, all of that.

So obviously emotions were on high alert and things were tumultuous, but Jesus says something within that context that's immensely profound and relevant for this discussion. and he says in John 18 36 Jesus answered my kingdom pause there my kingdom so if you don't know this Jesus has a kingdom Jesus as a Kingdom we know that Jesus is a king and so Kings we don we don have kingdoms today well we do you know over across the water but it's not something that we're used to essentially a King reigns and rules over their kingdom Jesus as king reigns and rules over his kingdom and so that the foundational premise that we have to understand is that Jesus is a king who has a kingdom he is reigning and ruling Jesus says my kingdom is not of this world and So is Jesus a King yes is he reigning and ruling over a kingdom.

Yes, but it is distinctly different from kingdoms of this world. So the world has kingdoms, metaphorically and literally. There are ways of living of the World and Jesus definitively says, I'm a king who has a kingdom and it's not like the Word.

He gives one of many descriptions throughout his life of what that's like. He said, if my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting that I might not be delivered over to the Jews, but my Kingdom is not from the world.

And so if you remember Jesus getting arrested, tempers are flaring, Peter grabs his sword, cuts off a guy's ear, which is kind of cool. And then Jesus puts it back on, which has also kind cool, but what Jesus is trying to say, If my kingdom was like the Roman kingdom, there'd be a lot of fighting right now.

And you guys would be coming to arrest me and I'd telling my guys, you know, fight back. But he says, that's not the way my Kingdom is. My Kingdom's is not of this world. If it was, then my people in my Kingdom and would I be doing what everybody else is doing, but I'm not doing whatever everybody is else doing.

And my People aren't doing what everyone else else's doing because my kingdom is different from worldly kingdom's. Jesus has a kingdom Let's move on Romans chapter 12 Matthew Mark Luke John acts Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 Says this do not be conformed to This world.

So again, let me back up. Jesus says I have a Kingdom the world has kingdom my kingdom is not the same as the World's Kingdom and And so the next thing that we can learn is that, we are not to be conformed to the world.

Whatever the worlds, and this is the caution for us, active accommodation of culture, if Jesus has a kingdom that is different from the World's Kingdom, it would make perfect sense that don't take on the values and the priorities of the Worlds Kingdom.

Because they're different, they are different kingdoms. And so there cannot be as we travel, as we journey and we encounter societies and people and groups and circumstances that are different from our own, we must say if there is anything in your societal values, in your cultural values that are from the values of my king, I'm not conforming to that.

I am not acquiescing to that everybody might be doing that I'm not gonna do that society may be embracing this I not going to embrace this because I I live under a different kingdom so don't be conformed to this world go back to John John chapter 17 John chapter 17 verse 15 Jesus I don't know if you know this but we Jesus prayed to the father Jesus is a son prays with the Father we we get to listen in on one of his prayers this is one of those he says this he's praying to the farther and he is praying for you and I praying for his people then praying first people now if your follower of Christ he He's praying for you.

What does He pray for for about? He says this, I do not ask that you take them out of the world. Again, we're getting some balance. Should we, it seems as though what Jesus is saying is, we should avoid this territory.

Because Jesus saying, hey, I don't want you to take Him outta the World. I did not asked that You take him out the of world, but that, you keep them from the evil one. They are not of The World, which makes sense.

If Jesus is a king of a different kingdom and we're and he's our king. We're a part of the different Kingdom So the world that we are living in Is not our own world. This is not her home as the Bible says we were so sojourners.

We are strangers. We were exiles side note Part of reason that perhaps some of you are grieving Is because you're recognizing that the place that you've called home for so long was never intended to be your real home.

Let's get back to the passage. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that keep them from the evil one. They are not of world just as I am not in the word. And so what is Jesus praying for us then?

Sanctify them in truth. Your word is truth as you sent me into the worlds, so I have sent them into world. And Jesus' prayer is very much so as we talk about cultural engagement, and it would seem as though we should avoid this, but there should be some kind of engagement with the world where Jesus says, as you are navigating through life and as your journey and you encounter people, groups, or circumstances, I wanna send you into those.

I don't want you to become like those, but I have a purpose for you and I want to you engage with those and interact with them. I'm gonna protect you from the evil one And it's vitally important that we know the word of truth.

Some of you might say, why do they spend so much time studying the Bible? It's because we believe that the bible is the Word of God and that within this book is truth that transcends culture. And so you and I, once again, we need an anchor.

When culture goes haywire, and when people suggest that this is normal, we have to have something that stands the test of the time. Because if you haven't picked this up yet, culture is perpetually changing and so we can't accommodate culture we need truth and as we engage with culture, we need to be able to keep our bearings we need be to able be solidified in truth so Jesus again summary my kingdom he has a kingdom it's not like the world's so he can be conformed to the world we don't want to acquiesce we don' t want become like them Jesus doesn't wanna take us out of the world, shouldn't be hiding in a bunker somewhere saying is God protect me no He wants to send us into the world to have influence and create change.

Matthew 6 .10, then if you turn to Matthew chapter six, what is our prayer as we do that? As we are sent into world and as engage with culture. Matthew six. 10, again, another prayer of Jesus. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Why are we using this word kingdom? Because all throughout the Bible, you will find this phrase, kingdom of God or kingdom heaven, I believe they're used interchangeably, both to represent what does it look like when Jesus is in charge of something?

His kingship and his kingdom, everything flows from him. And so his Kingdom is going to be consistent with his kingships. The things that are important in his Kingdom are gonna be important to him. The things that he doesn't give a rip about are things we shouldn't a give rip about that aren't part of his kingdom.

And so what Jesus is giving to us as an example prayer is God, as I walk in this world that's not your world, it's a different kingdom than what I need you to do, my prayer is that you would allow me to bring glimpses and pictures and realities of your kingdom into these lowercase K kingdoms.

As I encounter people and as I engage in conversations, gotta pray that the things you would somehow enable me, your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth. And so as go into this place, and if you don't know this about culture, culture will absolutely decimate people.

It is beating people up left and right. It's it's wreaking havoc on people you know it. It bad when anybody know who Joe Rogan is? Joe Rogen? Okay some of you. I'm not not giving his an endorsement, but Joe Logan was talking about this he does a podcasts, interviews people.
He was talking about the issue of transgender, talking the reality that adolescents, pre -puberty are getting gender reassignment surgeries. And if you don't notice about Joe Rogan, Joe Rogen's not a Christian and he's not conservative, that's who he is.

When a guy like Joe Rogue and says, this is insanity, you know that culture is messed up. Right? When non -Christians who don't share the values of the kingdom are saying, this is bad, you know we've gone way off course.

You know what, my wife is, I'm gonna, can I say something about you, honey? Yeah, that's a horrible question. No, Shelley and I were talking about this a while back and she said, when I was a kid, I really with all of my heart believed that I was robot.

it's funny isn't it? If as an adolescent people went around her and said well let's figure out how to make that happen, we would go that's foolishness. Non -Christians, even liberals are saying, and I'm going to step away from the Bible because are, saying that what we are doing to children with gender reassignment is devastating.
Non Christian liberal people. And so my point being, let me get back to my point, if you and I, you and i have as fear as fearsome as today's modern times are, as unsettling as they are. Do you see the immense opportunity that we have to go into people's lives that are absolutely being broken and devastated by culture that is wreaked havoc and say there's a better way, there is a more beautiful way.

There's an alternative to what you're experiencing right now, the way of Jesus is way better than the disaster that culture is creating in people's lives, and so when Jesus says, your kingdom come, you will be done.

I wanna send you into society, I want to send you in to reflect the goodness of my kingdom. I don't want you to ignore it. I want to send you into it, I just don't want just adopt all of it but I wanna engage with it and be a light in the darkness, be a city on a hill that can't be hidden.

Last passage, 2 Corinthians 5 .20. Therefore, Paul says, we are ambassadors for Christ. So as we're traveling through life and we encounter these circumstances and engage in conversations and were in the marketplace or we were at in our classroom or sports team and encounter, we are not hiding but we engaging because we ambassadors, what a basic ambassadorship.

What does that mean? It means that you live in one place, you go to another place that's not your home. and you do your best to be a representative of the place that you're from you've never been an ambassador but I would guess you have to have some decent relationships with the people where you live in you can't just stay in your ambassador home you got to go engage what do they call it where do ambassadors live embassy thank you.

You can just hide out in the embassy you gotta you gotta have relationships you gonna have dialogue you You have to maybe understand the culture that you're living in, you have be aware of it. But the entire time you recognize that your representing your homeland.

And in this case, we're representatives of a kingdom and of the king. And so Paul says, therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. And so I think the place that we land is one where you and I as followers of Christ, you're talking to your neighbors.
You are engaged in politics. Your writing music, your creating art, your helping shape education system .You recognize we don't have to have those things. We don t have that there's a place and a purpose that we're representing in the kingdom.

We're not hiding out. We are not over accommodating and we are just not trying to be so like the culture to where we lose our distinctiveness. And that's what it means to people of the Kingdom. We live with purposefulness.

We lived with intentionality to say, this world isn't my home. I'm a stranger here, I am in exile, but as long as God has me here I want to engage with the culture around me, with hope of displaying the goodness of a king and his kingdom.

Be About Your Father's Business!

Jeremy Hogan

“It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so the rest lies with god.” - C. S. Lewis


Scripture:

Proverbs 16:11
A just balance and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his work.


righteousness - /ˈrīCHəsnəs/ - noun

• the quality of being morally right or justifiable.

God cares about righteousness in the workplace.

Your business is His business.

Where is your workplace, where is God’s workplace?


Jeremy’s Workplace:

Jeremy’s workplace example = 

• home - Husband, Father
• work - Business Owner, Boss, Electrician
• ball field - Coach, Teammate
• Walmart - community member
• Home Depot - fellow tradesman

What does it look like Bringing God in @ 5%,10%,25% 100%?


Questions:

• How am I leading? 
• Who am I leading? 
• Is God in my Business?
• What’s an example of God in my business?

Jesus:

John 15:4-5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 

I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of you that I deal with an unusually disproportionate amount of dying and death. It goes with the territory of being a pastor.

After being in Payson for 26 years, I know my way around the hospital. The funeral home knows me personally. I know who many of the crosses on the side of the road represent. I knew the person and their spouse and their kids.

The impact of death on their loved ones are moments I’ll never forget.

Dad - Daughter had overdosed. Took his teenage daughter's body off of life support.
Wife - When the brain tumor finally took her young husband's life.
Mom - Wailing on the floor with her toddler.

I can, without a doubt, tell you that the most painful, gut-wrenching conversations I’ve had with people have been dealing with death.

Jesus encountered something similar.

The Bible specifically mentions Jesus’ crying three times. I’m certain there were more, we just don’t know about them.

He wept over Jerusalem as He approached the city because of their sin, he wept in the garden shortly before his crucifixion and he wept after his friend Lazarus died.

John 11:32–35
[32] Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. [34] And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” [35] Jesus wept.

Death is painful for many reasons, but the most significant reason is because it represents a loss.

DEATH AND LOSS

DEATH = LOSS

Something gets lost and we feel like we’ll never get it back.

That’s what grief is all about.

5 stages of grief / 7 stages of grief.

• shock and denial
• guilt
• anger and bargaining
• depression
• acceptance and hope

Lots of things die and we grieve in very much the same way we grieve with physical death. It may not be as deep or as intense, but it’s still immensely hard and it very much hurts.

• The loss of a marriage because one of the spouses said they were done.
• The loss of companionship, love, and the future they had envisioned together.
• The loss of a job, the death of a career. Loose your professional identity.
• Loss of Health: Being diagnosed with a chronic illness or experiencing a significant injury can lead to grief. You may mourn the loss of their previous, healthier self and the limitations imposed by their health condition.
• Loss of a Dream Realizing that an eagerly anticipated future event or achievement (such as having a child, achieving a career goal, or completing a significant project) will not happen can lead to a profound sense of loss and grief.
• Loss of financial security and the opportunities it afforded. A certain standard of living.

The reason loss is so painful is because it feels so final. Despair and hopelessness are when you feel like something is over. Something is gone and it's gone forever. It’s unrecoverable.

Lucky and family bible

No way to get it back. Sense of loss. Unrecoverable.

Not a phone book. (Under 30…phone books were these things.)

The resurrection of Jesus does something immensely beautiful and powerful.

RESURRECTION HOPE

John 11:25–26
I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

For a Christian, even if physical death happens to you, it will only make your life better. For centuries, that is the hope that has sustained Christians to face literal physical death.

Death is always painful, but it doesn’t have to be forever painful.

The resurrection unleashes the possibility of all kinds of other resurrections. The resurrection is evidence that even the worst of the worst can be recovered.

RESURRECTION = RECOVERY

The resurrection of Jesus shows us that there’s nothing Jesus can’t bring back to life. Jesus brings life to things that are dead.

I’m not talking about magic tricks. My mother-in-law's family bible went in the trash and it’s rotting in a landfill. Your spouse who has an affair may not want to make the marriage work.

Everything and everyone has a chance to experience some kind of resurrection. There’s nothing that can’t be repaired. There’s nothing that can’t be healed. Some kind of new life coming from a very sad and desperate situation.

1 Thessalonians 4:13
“We don’t grieve as those who have no hope.” Do we grieve? Yes! But we grieve with hope. Hope of what? Resurrection. Recovery.

In the garden, profound loss as sin enters the world.

The Bible tells us that the story for mankind is this: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. The story in Genesis began in a perfect garden and the story ends in Revelation in a perfectly renewed earth. No more sin, sorrow, or death. Tears turned into joy.

QUESTIONS:

• How does sharing personal experiences with grief and loss enhance the connection between the sermon's message on death and resurrection and the congregation's engagement?
• In light of Jesus expressing grief and empathy, particularly through the story of Lazarus, how does this influence believers' understanding of God's character and their own experiences of loss?
• Considering the sermon's extension of grief to include losses like marriage, health, and dreams, how does acknowledging these varied forms of grief aid in the healing process, and can you share examples from personal experiences or observations?
• How does the belief in resurrection as a form of recovery and hope influence a Christian's approach to dealing with loss and grief, and are there examples where this belief has provided comfort or altered perspectives?
• Given the Christian narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, how does this story influence the understanding of current suffering and the anticipation of future hope among believers?

Dead Poets Society

• Robin Williams played Professor John Keating in the iconic movie Dead Poets Society.
• He’s an eccentric English teacher who attempts to connect with and inspire his students through unconventional methods.
• During his first class, he brings them into a hallway filled with photos and trophies of former students who have long since died. Mr. Keating invites them to lean in and to look into the eyes of the young men who are now dead and feeding the daffodils. He says… “We are food for worms, lads. Believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.”
• Because of this truth, his encouragement is that they would “Carpe Diem… Seize the day.”

He’s trying to get these young men to avoid a wasted life. He’s wants them to have a meaningful life. His encouragement to the young men is essentially, “You’re going to die, so live well.”

It’s not a bad sentiment.

It is true… we all are going to die. Because we’re all going to die, we should make the most of how we live.

It’s not bad, it’s just incomplete, because we still have to figure out how to live well.

LOSING LIFE

Matthew 16:24–25
[24] Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Jesus is essentially saying, “To truly live, you’ve got to die.”

“If you’re looking to make the most of life before you die, you have to die.”

If you’re not familiar with the teaching of Jesus this might seem a bit shocking. Is Jesus some kind of sadist? Is he a deranged lunatic?

Far from it.

When Jesus talks about a person taking up their cross, there’s no doubt he’s referring to death. The only reason someone would ever take up a cross is if they were going to die.

Listen to something else Jesus says that helps explain what he means.

GRAIN

John 12:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Seed Germination

• Jesus is describing a process we call germination.
• If you remember biology class, a seed goes into the dirt and there’s a tiny, dramatic saga happening beneath the soil.
• The seed has to “die” in order for it bring about new life. So it dies to live.

To truly live, the seed has to leave its old self behind. There has to be death before there can be life. The grain dying is actually a really good thing because it brings about new life, more life, better life.

That’s the story of the resurrection… Jesus dies to offer new life.

There’s an important principle, an essential truth that you need to know this morning.

WHAT JESUS DOES

You can’t resurrect something that’s living. You can only resurrect something that’s dead. The only way to resurrect something that’s dead is for something that’s alive to die.

Your life doesn’t need tweaking. It doesn’t need an adjustment. It needs a complete and total overhaul. It needs a resurrection.

Without first dying, you will never be able to truly live. You have to die to live.
Some of you will be seed that never experiences new life because you’re not willing to get buried in the dirt.

Nike VP

• Westin Bonnaventure Downtown Los Angeles.
• Frankly, I felt sorry for him. He was seizing the day, but it was empty.
• There was no life to his life.

It’s not what God wanted for him and it’s not what God wants for you.

The best news you will ever hear in your entire life from the Apostle Paul…

2 Corinthians 5:17
… if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away (died); behold, the new has come.

As we draw our morning to a close, I want you to consider where you stand in your journey with Jesus.

CONCLUSION - RESPONSE
Maybe today stirred something within you… a desire or a curiosity, maybe even a realization.

Make this a marked moment where we make a personal decision. A step of faith.

Salvation Prayer

Jesus is a complex person. He defies categories. He mocks stereotypes. He cannot be reduced or compartmentalized. He’s an enigma.

Understanding that, I have one goal for us this morning. To see a very specific picture of who Jesus is. One that, frankly, seems highly paradoxical.

Let’s understand a bit of history.

The Old Testament is largely a story about God’s unique relationship with the Nation of Israel. A group of people, through which, God chose to reveal himself to the world.

A thousand years before Jesus became human, God promised David, the first king of Israel, that David’s throne would be permanent, that it would never end.

2 Samuel 7:12–13
[12] When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Understanding this promise, the Jewish people, the Nation of Israel, for a thousand years, generation after generation after generation, eagerly waited for the arrival of the “son of David”… the Messiah, the “Anointed One” who would rule forever.

There were lots of people over the years that the Jews thought might be the Messiah. There were lots of people they hoped would be the Messiah, but of course, they were not, because they were killed or died and were forgotten to history.

So when Jesus arrives, there is excitement once again.

Matthew 12:23
After Jesus healed a blind and mute man, Matthew 12 says, And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?”

Could Jesus be the Messiah? Could Jesus be the promised King?

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the day we remember today, it would be an understatement to say that the people were excited. Turn with me to Matthew chapter 21…

JESUS’ ENTRANCE

Matthew 21:1–11
[1] Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. [3] If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

[6] The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. [7] They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” [10] And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

The crowd was shouting, “Hosanna! Lord save us! Lord deliver us! We’ve been waiting for our king!”

Remember our goal for the morning? To see the paradoxical nature of Jesus.

JESUS IS NOT IMMODEST

What does Jesus do? Does he say, “Awe shucks.” No! “Does he get embarrassed and rosy-cheeked and say, “Guys… you really shouldn’t.” No!

Jesus is not immodest. He doesn’t quietly slip into Jerusalem. He makes a grand entrance.

Watching Hunger Games on a Plane

For the unfamiliar, The Hunger Games takes place in dystopian America where the government holds the annual Hunger Games. Children from various districts are selected to compete to the death in a televised event.

To mark the beginning of the games, tributes from each district ride chariots in a sort of opening ceremony.

This was also the first time the citizens see the tributes in person. To show their approval, the audience cheers for the tributes they like.

It’s also a chance for the tributes to make an impression on sponsors who essentially provide financial backing.

It was all about the show. All about making an impression so every detail is thought through to make a grand entrance.

Jesus chose every part of his entry. Every detail.

KING

Luke 19:37–40
[37] … the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, [38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” [39] And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” [40] He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Jesus, says, "If my disciples stop rejoicing, the rocks are going to shout.” Every part of creation is on the verge of erupting in praise. A tempest, a fury of praise, a symphony of joy is ready to be released into the universe. Let the shout with every fiber of their being!”

Why?

Have no doubt, he is the Son of David. He is the promised Messiah! HE… IS… THE… KING!

Where’s the paradox?

KING ON A DONKEY

Matthew 21:5
“your king is coming to you, humble”

What kind of king rides in on a donkey?

Warhorse

Military- the baddest horse you can find. Fire in its eyes.

Any general riding in on a donkey is going to be slaughtered. It would be better to walk in than to ride in on a donkey.

Of course, riding on a donkey was a significant demonstration of humility, but there was one far greater.

HUMILITY OF THE CROSS

It took an act of profound humility for Jesus, the eternal God to take on human flesh and suffer and die for us.

Make no mistake, he is King. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, but he is the King who came to carry a cross.

Philippians 2:8–11
[8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

GOOD SAMARITAN

In one of Jesus’ most famous parables, he tells the story of a good Samaritan.

The context for the parable is that Jesus is trying to help a man understand what it means to love your neighbor.

So Jesus tells a story where a man who gets beat up and is left in a heap half dead on the side of the road. Two religious men, a Priest and a Levite walk by and do nothing. They ignore the man. A third man, the Samaritan, the least likely person to help the man stops to give aid.

Luke 10:33
… a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

The Samaritan cared for him and took care of his needs. Then Jesus says, “go and do likewise.”

The parable fits perfectly with our wayfinding series.

Expedition- A journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective.

Wayfinding

• Set the course.
• Maintain the course.
• Reach the destination.

How we choose to travel.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story about a man on a journey and how he acts on that journey. How we chooses to demonstrate love.

GOD IS A GOD OF COMPASSION

Ps. 103:8
The Lord gracious and compassionate.

These are fundamental attributes of God’s character. There is never a moment when he is not gracious, when he is not giving us undeserved favor.

He is never not compassionate.

In Latin, ‘compati’ means to “suffer with.” Compassion means someone else’s heartbreak becomes your heartbreak. Another’s suffering becomes your suffering.

Alexander Maclaren says it a “throb of pity” that shoots through us.

Mark 6:34
When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

In the NT, the Greek word for compassion literally means “to be moved in one’s bowels.”

It’s the same word used to describe what motivated Jesus to heal people and perform miracles. Compassion has to do with the very core of our inner feelings.

Apathy - I don’t care.
Pity - Too bad for you.

James 2:15-16
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

Sympathy - I’m sorry for you.
Empathy - I’m sorry for you. I feel for you.
Compassion - I’m sorry for you. I feel for you. I’m going to do something about it.

Awareness. Affected. Action to alleviate it.

• Compassion includes seeing, feeling and doing.
• See something. Feel Something. Do Something.
• See. Feel. Do.

1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

God is a gracious and loving and compassionate God. If God is in us, if his love is in us, then his grace and compassion will be in us.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Compassion is more than seeing a need and feeling bad about someone’s suffering. It’s incomplete unless it involves taking action to relieve the suffering.

Knowing God and Experiencing Peace from God

Speaker: Gary Jones

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." A.W. Tozer

Scripture:

Matthew 16: 13-17
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

In the song, "How deep the Father's love," The lyrics are "How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure."

On Sunday, we sang, "His Mercy is More." One line says " a sea without bottom or shore"

Table Discussion
1. "Who do you say I am?" When you think of God, how would you describe God to someone who asks?

2. Discuss a time when you experienced God's presence in your life and the experience caused you to be at peace, everything became calm.

Hebrews 12:1–2
[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The author of Hebrews doesn’t say what every weight is, but there’s a principle we can’t miss.

Expedition - A journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective.

Wayfinding

• Set the course.
• Maintain the course.
• Reach the destination.

Anything that weighs down or slows down or obstructs or ensnares a runner needs to be discarded. We have to let go of the things that distract us or get in our way. We need to travel unencumbered. As long as we’re burdened by heavy loads, we won’t go as far or as fast as we need to. We have to be able to keep going.

I enjoy reading a pastor named Charles Wagner. I was reminded of one his quotes relevant to this morning’s message.

“From the cradle to the grave, in his needs as in his pleasures, in his conception of the world and of himself, the man of modern times struggles through a maze of endless complication. Nothing is simple any longer.”
- Charles Wagner

Can you relate? Do you have the sense that nothing is simple any longer?

That quote comes from Charles Wagner’s book titled The Simple Life… written in 1901… 125 years ago.

I think that if Mr. Wagner were introduced to modern-day life, its quite possible that his brain would explode.

Let’s see a picture to help illustrate the point…THE PROBLEM

Board Chart

• left to right
• troubles, pace, things & stuff
• too far to left = unhealthy, too far to right = unhealthy

STUFF/THINGS
We’ve been conditioned to be consumers, to want more and more and more. We’re always just one purchase away from being happy. The bigger thing, the better thing, the newer thing, the next thing. We’re never quite satisfied with what we have and the things we accumulate only make our lives more complicated.

PACE
Our lives are cluttered, over-programmed, and hectic. We can’t move fast enough or get enough done. We rush from one thing to the next. Our schedules are either over-filled or we’re too exhausted to use our time wisely.

“Contemporary culture is plagued by the passion to possess. The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that 'more is better.' Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality. Furthermore, the pace of the modern world accentuates our sense of being fractured and fragmented. We feel strained, hurried, breathless. The complexity of rushing to achieve and accumulate more and more threatens frequently to overwhelm us; it seems there is no escape from the rat race…”
- Richard Foster, The Freedom of SimplicityTroubles

We’re overwhelmed because we’ve been inundated with local news and global news and social media and clickbait designed to get us flustered and agitated. We’re worked up because we’ve been stirred up like a hive of agitated bees.

Our longing for peace and contentment would drive us to a place of simplicity, but life in our fallen world offers lies and cheap substitutions. When our lives become overcomplicated and stressful it leaves us with an unsettled feeling.

Richard Foster says that our spirits are frantic. (Burnout.)

Quakers have a word for this. They call this being “cumbered.”

• Cumbered - cluttered
• Encumbered - weighed down
• Unencumbered - not burdened, not slowed down, not hampered

The Quakers have something they call the “Testimony of Simplicity.” It’s the belief that a person should live their life simply so that they can focus on what’s most important.

“The witness to simplicity is profoundly rooted in the biblical tradition, and most perfectly exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ… It is a natural and necessary outflow of the Good News of the Gospel having taken root in our lives.”
- Richard Foster

It’s just as much about an inward state of mind or condition of the heart. It’s an invitation to a more focused life. It’s about about living more meaningfully.

Jesus’ invitation…
“Come to me all who are tired and heavy burdened… and I will give you rest.”

Jesus summarized over 600 commands into one.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity…

Luke 12:15
Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Matthew 6:34
… do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

1 Thessalonians 4:11
… aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs…

An overly-complicated life steals attention and energy from what matters most.

It’s never simple to keep things simple. You have to work at it.

STRATEGIC SIMPLICITY
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.”
- Albert Einstein

Sometimes we need to eliminate good things so we can do the best thing. Simplicity means being focused on what really matters. Simplicity helps us decide what to do and how much to do it. It allows us to focus our energy and resources to do more of what’s important- things that matter most.

What does this have to do with Expedition Church?

CHURCH
Churches bought into the idea that you have to meet every need and that every need requires a church program. Busyness can be a great disguise for substance. Activity creates an illusion of fruitfulness and health.

Whenever there’s a need, it’s natural for someone to say, “We need a program for that…” So a special ministry gets created.

“Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone."

There’s nothing wrong with programs or ministries in a church, we just have to be careful that (chart) doesn’t happen.

Chinese Buffet

People assume that the more items on the menu the better.

You can do a lot of things in a mediocre (or poor) way, or you can do a few things well.