1 Peter 2: 9-10 - Identity in Christ

Identity in Christ
 1 Peter 2: 9-10
Pankaj Macwan

Exodus 19: 5-6

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19: 5-6

What separates believers from the worldly people?

We are separated from the blessings and privileges we have through Christ

Peter is writing to the church when he declares that they are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.

Who you are in Christ:

1. You are chosen: You don’t have to earn to be chosen, it is not based upon performance, it’s free
2. Royal Priesthood: In the Old Testament priest came from the lineage of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. This must have stood out to Peter’s Audience. Now Peter is saying that because of our relationship with Christ, we have the authority to minister to people.

Christ sends the disciples out to minister in his authority. Christ commissions them, saying, “All authority has been given to me, therefore make disciples” (Matt 28:18).

Authority and Privileges of a Priest: But, we are also called priests. One of the unique roles of the priest was to have an intimate relationship with God. The high priest was the only priest who could enter into the presence of God once a year on the Day of Atonement. No other person could do that.

What distinguishes us as believers is the fact that we can walk and live in the presence of God.

But not only that, the priest would pray on behalf of the people for the forgiveness of their sins and bring their requests before God.

The priests were also called to teach the people

3. A Holy nation and belonging to God: People of Israel were chosen to worship Him and to serve Him. In the same way we are chosen and set apart for His work. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10).

God is preparing us in a unique way to serve Him

4. His Possessions: We are not only to serve, but to recognize that we are here on this earth for His pleasure.

Psalm 147: 11     “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love”.

We were not only made to enjoy God.  We were made so God could enjoy us too.

5. You have received mercy: We did not get what we deserve, meaning instead of condemnation, we received His grace.

What do we if we are in Christ:

Because what Christ did on the cross now God has transferred these privileges to the church, and with the privilege comes the responsibility of bringing the light of God to the world.

Our identity in Christ leads us to our destination, which is to proclaim His excellencies to the world not on the basis of our accomplishments but based upon our relationship with Christ.

What are we to tell the world:

God is Love:

1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love”.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”.

God Forgives our sins:

Psalm 103:10 “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities”. 1 John 2:12 "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake."

Hope in Christ:

John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”.

How do we apply this in our life and in our church:

Are you encouraged or challenged by understanding these blessings that are given to you as the people of God?

How can we apply these truths in our lives as well as in our community?

Audio:

John 17:12-21: You Are Called To Heaven

SERMON OUTLINE 1-24-16

Title: "You Are Called To Heaven"
Scripture: John 17:12-21

You are in this world, but you are not of this world.

--The Reality of God (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 20:26; Matthew 5:48; 2 Corinthians 1:12)

--The Reality of This World (Galatians 1:4; 1 John 5:19; John 12:31)

--The War Within (Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 7:15; Romans 4:1-4)

--How does this work?

1.  The "Either-Or" Solution

--The Isolated church (James 5;19-20; Hebrews 10:24-25)

--The Isolated Believer (Proverbs 18:1)


2.  The Choice to "Strike-a-Balance" (Proverbs 11:1)

--Distraction (John 8:34)

--Avoidance (Colossians 2:20-23; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:4-11)

--Tolerance (1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 15:33)

--True Balance (Matthew 6:33-34; 2 Peter 3:17; Romans 12:2)


3.  The "Go" Mission

--Our Flesh (Mark 12:31; 1 John 1:9)

--Our Relationships (Matthew 6:14-15)

--Our Spiritual Calling (Matthew 5:12; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:4)


Audio

Philemon 1: Gospel in Action

Philemon chapter 1: Gospel in Action

A:  Characteristics of a Christian (4-5)
 Change in lifestyle is visible
 Other people notice an outward change in your life and attitude towards others
 Your lifestyle gives encouragement to other  believers and church leaders

B: Encouragement to Christian (6)
 Continue Sharing of faith
 Faith should  become effective
 Sharing of faith will produce full knowledge

C:  Fruits of Faithfulness to Christ (7)
 Brings Joy to the saints
 Provides comfort to the saints
 Refreshes Hearts of the saints

 D: Christian life in action (8-25)
 A Loving appeal is better than an authoritative command
 Believers must face consequences of their actions committed before they were saved
 Paul’s promise of restitution towards Philemon reminds us what Jesus has done for us
 Forgiveness  brings joy  and refreshes hearts of others


Audio (Wrong Audio Title):

John 12:20-26 - Resolved to Follow the Savior (Part 1)

SERMON OUTLINE 1-10-16

John 12:20-26

"RESOLVED TO FOLLOW THE SAVIOR"

John 12:24 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."

1. When you are compelled to know what God is doing, look to Jesus. (John 12:20-22)

     --A group of Greeks came looking for Jesus.

     --Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus.

     --We need to go to Jesus when we are curious, confused or bruised.

2. Jesus responds to what you need to know over your immediate circumstances. (John 12:23-26)

     --All the dots of Jesus' life and purpose are connected. (23-24)

     --Not only does Jesus connect the dots of His life and purpose, Jesus connects the dots for your life and purpose. (25-26)

3. We need to resolve to be telling our stories. (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2)

     --We're wired for story.

         Times of Crises (Acts 21:12-13)

         Day to Day (Colossians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 2:3-5)

     --Basic Story Telling, Witnessing Guidelines:

         Resolve to remember that You are not the main character of your story. (Jeremiah 17:9)

         Resolve to not be embarrassed, or ashamed to testify to the truth. (2 Timothy 1:8)

         Resolve to tell your eye witness, first person account. And use your words. (Acts 26:16)

         Resolve to follow through. (John 1:45-46)

I Am Resolved

I am resolved to go to the Savior,                    

Leaving my sin and strife;

He is the true One, He is the just One,

He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,

Faithful and true each day;

Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,

He is the living Way.

I am resolved, and who will go with me?

Come, friends, without delay,

Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,

We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

Refrain:  I will hasten to Him,

                Hasten so glad and free;

                Jesus, greatest, highest,

                I will come to Thee. 

Ezekiel 33: 1-20 - God’s Promise of Restoration (Part 1)

God’s Promise of Restoration
Ezekiel 33: 1-20

A. Prophet as watchmen:

• The word “Watchmen” can be translated as “to look out” or “look about”
• Watchmen are supposed to look out for danger and warn people 
• The Prophet Ezekiel was asked to warn people of danger

B. Role of watchmen:

• God is using humans to communicate His message to His people
• Warning comes from God to bring people to repentance

C. How can we apply this in today’s church?

• The Role of a Pastor 
• Preaching and Teaching the Word of God 

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”.
D. The Role of the Church

• The church is the Body of Christ, doing work for the purpose of glorifying God
• The Church has to seek the lost 
• The Church should be faithful to the Word of God
• The Church should be faithful to go, teach, and Baptize and teach those who are Baptized, Matthew 28;19-20

E. The Responsibility of a believer to his family

• Parents must teach the commandments of God to their Children, Deuteronomy 6: 5-7
• The Disciples knew the importance of teaching God’s commandments to children, Acts 28, “ And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
• Prerequisite for someone to become a spiritual leader in the church is to be an effective spiritual leader in their home, 1st Timothy 3:1-7, 
• Titus 1:6. “if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination”.

F. Why does this matter

• God has promised that the sins of the wicked shall not be remembered against him, Ezekiel 33: 16
• This is amazing promise of forgiveness 

Audio:

Hebrews 2 - But We Do See Jesus! (Part 1)

Luke 2, Matthew 2, Hebrews 2
Title: "But We Do See Jesus!"

1. In Luke 2, God reveals the beautiful side of Christmas!

2. In Matthew 2, God reveals the dark side of Christmas!

• Matthew 2:12-23
• Hebrews 2:8

3. In Hebrews 2, God tells the completed story of Christmas!

•  Hebrews 2:9-11
•  God perfected the author of our salvation through sufferings. 
•  God perfects the saved through sufferings. 

Audio:

John 10:10 - Jesus came to give Life (Part 4)

Advent, Part 4

Jesus came to give Life

John 10:10

John 10:10: “Jesus came to give Life”
 - Jesus Referred as the Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11)
 - “I am” proclamations point to His exclusive, divine character and purpose.
 - Ezekiel 34, fulfilled by Jesus.  There are a number of places where Jesus is referred to as that  Good Shepherd.
 - New Life is the Spiritual Life:

John 5:24. Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life”

We need Life because we were dead in our sins:
 - I. “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcised of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses”, Colossians 2:13
 - II. “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:5

How do we receive His Gift Of Life
 - I. To receive Christ, you must recognize him for who he really is, “If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority”. John 7:17
 - II. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.. John 1:11–13
 - III. Receiving him is to believe in all that he is.

Benefits of a New Life in Jesus:
 - I. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthian 5:17.
 - II. We are reconciled with God and found blameless,  “21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” Colossians 1: 21-22
 - III. No longer living in darkness, the people dwelling in darkness  have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,  on them a light has dawned.”

Audio:

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 - Christ Came To Fulfill Righteousness (Part 3)

Advent

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Christ Came To Fulfill Righteousness

I. Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15) What was missing?
    A. What was missing from God's character? NOTHING! All righteousness is God's character.
        -Only Righteous God (Psalm 25:8; Isaiah 45:21; 2 Peter 1:4)
        -The Word (Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Psalm 33:4)
        -All that is necessary (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

    B. What was missing from the old covenant? NOTHING!
        -The Law (Romans 2:13 "doers of the law will be justified")
        -Old covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13 the fault was with the people)
        -OT Roll of Faithful (Hebrews 11 "heirs of righteousness according to faith;" "performed acts of righteousness;")

    C. What did Jesus bring that righteousness required? EVERYTHING!
        -Jesus didn't abolish the Law, the old covenant, He completed the promise of God to Abraham.
       -The Law made obsolete (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:13)
        -Way, Truth, Life (John 14:6 "no one comes to the Father but through Me."
        -Resurrection and life (John 11:25-26 "Do you believe this?" John 3:16)

II. Our righteousness is fulfilled in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
    A. Why do we live and struggle as though Christ is not enough?
        -Our internal conflict (Galatians 5:17 the Spirit and the flesh are opposed to each other)
        -Our separating sin (Isaiah 59:2 "your iniquities have made a separation between you and God")
        -Our wake up call (1 Corinthians 15:34 "I speak this to your shame.")
        -Reconciling crucible (2 Corinthians 5:20b "We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God")

    B. Christ is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9 "my grace is sufficient for you")

CONCLUSION

2 Corinthians 5:21 "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God."

Audio:

Matthew 10:16-39 - Jesus Came to Bring A Sword (Part 2)

Advent, Part 2

Jesus Came to Bring A Sword

Matthew 10:16-39

I. The Sword of Advent
A. WHAT: There will be separation between Christians and the world (10:34-36)
- We are different, but we are sent into the world.
B. WHY: Jesus calls us to supreme love and allegiance.
- Greater than family relationships (10:37)
- Complete and All-encompassing (10:38)
- Not because we are jerks (10:16, 1 Peter 3:15-16)
- Not because we are better.


II. The Security of Advent
- We will be saved - therefore we endure. (10:22)
- He knows all - therefore we don’t fear. (10:29-30)
- He will acknowledge us - therefore we acknowledge him. (10:32-33)
- He will give true life - therefore we give him our life. (10:39)

Audio:

Mark 10:45 - Jesus Came to Serve (Part 1)

Advent series, Part 1
Jesus Came to Serve
Mark 10:45

A: Jesus came to this world to serve us
• He came to die for us
• He chose to suffer
• His death was intentional

B: Jesus came to pay a ransom for many
• He came to pay the payment we were unable to pay
• Jesus came to become substitution for many
• The price for the ransom was His life

C: Jesus came so sinners can become friend of Jesus
• I Timothy 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
• John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you”.
• Friends of Jesus will do what He commands to do, John 15:14.
• Friends of Jesus bear fruit, John 15:16

Audio:

The Expressions of Worship

The Expressions of Worship

Every part of our Church gatherings are worship

• Word
• Ordinances
• Prayer
• Music

What are the honest and reverent responses to the Glory and Holiness of God?
1. The binding factor in all division is the Gospel.
2. The Worship of the Church should be Christ-centered.

An honest and reverent response towards God is one that is acted upon within the limits of the Gospel of Christ, in all its dimensions.

Audio:

The Meaning of Worship

The Meaning of Worship

What is it and why do we do it?

Worship is an honest and reverent response to the Glory and Holiness of God.

What does it mean to God?

It means God is blessed by his own glorification in community worship.

i. This community worship glorifies God by stating truth about Him and His works.

ii. This community worship glorifies God by the united voice of the saints.

What does it mean to us? 

It means we are blessed through glorifying God in all His Holiness.

i. We are most satisfied in life when we worship God according to His true worth.

ii. This experience is also individual. God does something to our personal lives.

Audio:

2 Cor. 7:8-10 - The Blessing of Repentance

The Blessing of Repentance

2 Cor. 7:8-10

What is Repentance?

- Change of heart/change of action

- The flip side of faith (Acts 20:21)

- Gift of God (2 Tim. 2:25)

- Initial and Ongoing (1 John 1:9)

- Heart/Mind/Will (Job 42:5-6, Psalm 32:5, Matt. 3:8)

Why Practice Repentance?

- Those who don’t repent do not know Jesus and are destined for God's wrath. (Luke 13:3, 5)

- Those who don't repent don't grow in holiness. (2 Cor. 7:10)

- Those who don't repent open themselves up to depression. (Psalm 32:3-4)

- Those who don’t repent lose the joy of salvation. (Psalm 51:12)

- Those who don’t repent do not impact the world for Jesus. (Rev. 2:5)

Audio:

Joshua 24:15 - Father's Day

Joshua 24:15
Father's Day

1. A Father points his children towards the Ultimate Goal
2. A Father maintains the Faith
3. A Father breaks the Bonds
4. A Father is the image of the Heavenly Father
     a. Discipline
     b. Love and Compassion

Audio:

1 Samuel 1:21-28 - Mother's Day 2015

1 Samuel 1:21-28

1. The Influence of a Mother

2. The Labor of a Mother

3. The Heart of a Mother

Some other scriptures that I'll reference, in this order:

Proverbs 1:7-8

Proverbs 31:21-24

Deuteronomy 32:9-11, and 18

Audio:

Matthew 28 - Easter Sunday 2015

Attaining the Resurrection

Easter Sunday

Matthew 28, Phil. 3:7-11

1. What are you striving for?

2. How will you get there?

- Treasure Christ (Phil. 3:7-8)

- Trust in Christ (Phil. 3:9)

- Follow Christ (Phil. 3:10-11)

Audio:

Special - Testimonies

Revive Church present a end of the 2014 year special of a few people's Testimonies from the Revive Church family and hear about how God's impacted their lives.

Audio:

Revive Special Series 2014 - Christianity and Materialism (Part 3)

Christianity and Materialism
1. A worldly view of Materialism
A. Essential to Quality of Life

• i. For the world money, or material goods, is synonymous with the quality of life for an individual, or a society. In other words, we can judge how “good” a person is living based on what they own, and/or where they live. Of course, this is not to say that these things do not, or cannot, contribute to a high quality of life; the point is that the world sees them as necessary features of it.
• “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
• Jesus warns that “life” can be defined by “abundance of possessions”. The world depends on these things in order to have an identity.

1. ii. This identity that the world finds leads to this supposed Quality of life that material goods are an essential part of. Once the quality of life is defined, the world now has a class or level of society to identify with. This is exactly what Jesus warned against. As long as material possessions are defining us, they will control us.

b. The Means and the Ends

• i. For the most part, individuals can do, or obtain, certain things in life in order to reach a greater goal. Material possessions and wealth have the funny nature of contradicting this. They constantly become the means and the ends – whatever they intend to reach is only more of the same thing. When someone in the world only has an identity in money, they may pursue it vigorously. Once they’ve succeeded, all the money can do, by its very nature, is possess more possessions. Therefore, the personal happiness, or “quality”, of an individual has no real connection with the stuff they own. It’s only in the imagination.
• He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity, Eccl.5:10.
• Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun, Eccl.2:11
• “The Preacher” can’t understand any real or physical connection to material goods either. As a matter of fact, he comes to the conclusion that it’s simply “vapor”.

1. ii. The worldly view of material possessions will have society chase after money, in order to obtain more of it, ad infinitum. When there is a lack of actual “ends” to these “means” – the “ends” actually being the glory of God – then we fall into an endless circle; happy for the sake of being happy, or satisfied for the sake of being satisfied.

2. The Christian view of Materialism

1. A. Christ is the Quality of Life

• i. Although we aren’t denying any connection whatsoever of material goods to high quality of living, the Christian would deny any real, physical, or, more importantly, necessary connection to quality of life. God tells us that satisfaction is found in Him and for Him.
• Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice, Prov.16:8

1. Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. Prov.17:1, also Psa.37:16

• Righteousness and Peace are indicated as having a higher value than riches. But also, Solomon defines them as simply, “better”. This means that peace and righteousness, both of which Christ fulfills for the Christian, are a quality of life that can be obtained, separate from material possessions. So, the Bible denies any necessary connection to our personal quality or happiness with “stuff”.

1. ii. Since Identity is found in Christ, the Christian’s pursuit of righteousness, holiness, and so on, can be done apart from the material goods they own. There is no intrinsic value found apart from what Christ brings.

b. A Means to an End

• i. Unlike other worldviews, such as asceticism or some branches of Buddhism, just because something doesn’t have intrinsic or eternal value, that doesn’t mean it’s useless. Christians have an “end” in clear sight; and the “means” of material possessions can be used to glorify this “End”. Far from ignoring the impact and influence of material goods, Christianity would seek, for a lack of a better word, to manipulate them. The believer should not be controlled by money, but, to the contrary, they should control it.

• Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb.13:5 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, 1 Tim.6:10a
• But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt.6:33

1. What should be noticed here is that material possessions are never identified as the intrinsic evil that causes a person’s destruction. Rather, it is his/her disposition towards these things. Money becomes master. However, the Christian is called to serve only one Master. Just like any other form that derives from the world, art, music, literature, and so on, there are some forms of these that are used for good, and some for evil. There is good music and bad music; good art and bad art. And it’s the proper identification of an End, which the Christian has, that makes it useful for the glory of God.ii. In addition, no one can deny that although the Scripture warns constantly against the love of money, it also commends the possession material goods as a blessing.

• Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine, Proverbs 3:9, 10
• The LORD will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Deut 28:8
• …May our granaries be full, providing all kinds of produce; may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields; Psalm 144:13
• This small selection indicates that possessions, rightly managed, can be a blessing from God. Unlike the world, the Christian does not fall into disparity when it ceases to idolize material goods. Rather, the Christian can find its proper use by utilizing it the way God intended.

3. Applications

• The opportunity to bless others – Christians can use these things for the Glory of God. Countless dollars have been used to provide essential services to 3rd world countries, send servants to mission trips, provide for inner cities, and create critical ministries for emergency response.

• Inspires the Christian to action – This inspiration can come from many directions. Whether someone needs a job to provide, or marriage is on the horizon, since money is acknowledged by God as an aspect of the Christian life, a believer cannot be lazy. That doesn’t mean every Christian will have a high salary, but it does mean that every Christian should rightly work for what they own.
• Promotes Stewardship – Possibly one of the more pressing and serious parts of Christian living, the believer is called to learn how to handle these possessions. This can be confrontational for us, in terms of changing spending priorities and goals. Remember, since Christians can’t ignore its influence and impact on reality, we must develop the knowledge necessary to use it rightly. How else are we to glorify God with it if we have none left at the end of the month!
• Further developments of thought – Without delving into specifics, we also must acknowledge how Christianity and Scripture have influenced economics. Since material goods are not idolized or ignored, biblically based economics has had a hard time finding a home with theories such as communism, socialism, or unrestrained capitalism. After the Protestant Reformation, much has changed across the economic landscape. Luther promoted the idea of God blessing vocational work. Calvin further developed this concept regarding the money that is produced through this vocational work, and what constitutes a Christian society based on that capital. At any rate, it would be most beneficial to apply what we’ve learned so far on how the world and Scripture view money, and to apply that knowledge to these theories. As Christians, we should not be fooled into any “packages of thought” that we think promote fair handling of money and goods. The bottom line is that regardless of where we’re at personally, the Bible has final authority on these matters. And sometimes that doesn’t always fit into the neat little boxes we’d like them to.

Discussion Questions:
- Do our own spending habits affect our Christian walk?
- What is being “materialistic”, and how do we know where to draw the line? What is poor, what is rich?
- What can we do as Christians to prevent ourselves from idolizing money while still pursuing a decent living? However we define “decent living”.
- How does an inadequate understanding of God’s view of money lead to poor stewardship habits?
- Can the Christian Church truly be a steward of money/material goods and still be free from temptation?




Audio

Revive Special Series 2014 - Sexuality and Christian Faith (Part 2)

What are potential consequences of a poor view of sexuality?

• Have you seen/experienced a healthy view of sexuality? What are the benefits?
• How far is too far before marriage?
• How do you know when you are lusting sexually in your heart?
• Do you see examples in your life of a misuse of sexuality? Where and how? (Friends, self, family, coworkers, etc.)
• Why do you think our society worships sex? How can we counter that temptation?
• How do you think Revive has done handling the homosexuality issue? How could we do better?
• What arguments have you heard about homosexuality that are challenging for you?
• Do you know anyone who is gay, transsexual or bisexual? What are ways the church can love & guide?

Audio:

Revive Special Series 2014 - Politics and Christian Faith (Part 1)

Politics and Christian Faith Outline

1-2 opening songs?

Lesson (2 or 3 elders can split this section up)

Part 1: What is the proper view of government/politics?

-       Government and politics are a necessary result of the Fall;

-       Rom. 13:1 - Each ruler is part of God’s plan

-       Example: John 19:10-11 - authority was given to Pilate from above

-       America is not Israel - democracy vs. theocracy

-       America has been around for less than 300 years! Republicans & Democrats (& Libertarians) for less than that!

-       Our hope should be in Christ’s Kingdom, not government or a political party

-       Heb. 11:16, 13:14 - seeking a heavenly country.

-       Phil. 3:20 - Citizenship is in heaven

-       John 18:36-37 - Jesus’ Kingdom not of this world

Part 2: How should/can Christians be involved in government/politics?

-       We should care for the communities in which we live (Jer. 29).

-       We should display God’s character

-       Fruit of the Spirit

-       God’s attributes: justice, compassion, holiness

-       We should submit to government - even not great governments.

-       Acts 5:27-32 - Obedience to God first

-       Rom. 13:1-7, 1 Pet. 2:13-17

-       Mark 12:13-17 - Paying Taxes

-       We should vote. (Jer. 29)

-       We should shine as lights through careers, volunteerism, activism as God leads.

-       Gen. 1:26-31 - Created in God’s image

-       We display God’s image through pursuing God’s values. Justice. Care for poor. Care for environment.

-       Examples - Esther. Boenhoeffer. Wilberforce.

Part 3: How do we handle political disagreement?

-       See Parts 1 & 2!

-       Our goals are God’s goals. Not party goals.

-       Leave room for conscience in non-biblical issues (Rom. 14).

-       Be dogmatic mainly about Scripture’s morals & theology - not about it’s political application.

-       Pursue unity in Christ first. (Ephesians 2 & 3)

-       A Christian republican has more unity with a Christian Democrat than with a non-Christian Republican.

-       Prayer. For country, leaders, etc. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Discussion Questions (Have 3-4 Group Leaders)

-       What are good reasons why a Christian might not vote?

-       How can a Christian shine for Jesus in something as divisive as politics?

-       Should Christians all belong to the same political party? Why or why not?

-       If we must submit to government, is there ever a time when a revolution is appropriate? Why or why not?

-       What should we do if the government is corrupt?

-       What is the role of conscience in regards to specific political issues?

-       Are there any notable biblical issues that are linchpins in deciding how to vote?

Q&A Panel

-       2-3 elders plus 1-2 congregation members?

Audio: