http://www.gracefellowshipchurch.com/GraceVideo_sermons.aspx

Main Bible passages:

2Cor. 5:14-15

John 15: 15-16

Phillipians 2:5-7

Key Points:

-it seems like for some of us, its hard to live from the inside out, because we’re dealing with an inside drought

-that there are a lot of other things, besides for the love of God, that can motivate a Christian to attend church, to tithe, to volunteer, to read the Bible, to pray for others

-How many of you right now would say, like Paul here, that you are compelled to live for the Kingdom of God by a deep sense of God’s outrageous love for you?

–In the Kingdom of God, its not just about how much we give, how much time we serve, or  how hard we strive against sin…but to what degree we are compelled and motivated by God’s love for us

ROLLER COASTER-to live from these false identities is to live on a roller coaster of highs and lows

-and the highs when we feel good and valuable are really because of our pride – feeling that we have more, and thus are more valuable than those who surround us

-and the lows are because of insecurity b/c we feel like we have less to offer and thus we are less valuable than those around us

-“In a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, it is not easy to really believe in a love that does not do the same.  When I hear someone praised, it is hard not to think of myself as less praiseworthy; when I read about the goodness and kindness of other people, it is hard not to wonder whether I myself am as good and kind as they; and when I see trophies, rewards, and prizes being handed out to special people, I cannot avoid asking myself why that didn’t happen to me.” – Henri Nouwen “The Return of the Prodigal Son”

-we can stop playing the world’s game, we can get off the roller coaster of pride and insecurity, and we can empty ourselves…just as Christ did

-In the letting go, in the surrender of our own striving, in relinquishing control we are freed  to live out our true identities as God’s beloved children

-a bondservant was one who had been given their freedom…but b/c they loved their master, they personally chose to continue to serve

-This film fest is open to any h.s. students, regardless of whether or not they are Truenorth members. Tell your friends and schools about this opportunity to get creative with film, and celebrate with an amazing TNVA gala event.

Things to expect for the TNVA March 5th event:

-limos to deliver you and your film team to the red carpet

-Full-red carpet treatment, with Paparazzi, interviews, autographs, security escorts, etc.

-Awards Night hosted by someone AMAZING (TBA)

-Kickin’ after party with desserts and punch,  amazing band, and the classic dance hits

• You must first learn how to be a satisfied single adult in order to become a mature and satisfied married adult
• 2 whole people are needed to make a whole, healthy marriage
• marriage is more like 1×1 = one flesh synergy
• when two halfway healthy people come together, its not as easy is ½ + ½ = 1
  • its more like ½ x ½ = ¼
    • there’s a negative synergy
• Radical thought – what would happen if you took the desperate energy you spend looking for a mate and instead redirected it into a desperate seeking after God?
  • We run after God, and eventually you look next to you and there is another person going in the same direction, not crossing each others path as much as it is joining each other’s side
  • HOW FAR IS TOO FAR? Because you aren’t married, assume your future spouse is going out on a date with someone else tonight. Where would you want that man or woman to set the erotic behavior limits with your future spouse tonight?

  In OT, the word for virgin comes from root words that mean “to separate” or “to hide” – to separate or hide something was to set it apart as special, unique, valuable – intentionally saved for purpose

  Sexual activity should never be a substitute for emotional or spiritual intimacy

  When we look to another other than God to supply our needs, then we give them the power to make us miserable, b/c they aren’t God and don’t possess the power to satisfy us

  Idolatry: looking to any person, object, or idea to supply what only God can supply

  Love can only take place where a relationship is free from idolatry and a person recognizes God as the source of everything

• You must first learn how to be a satisfied single adult in order to become a mature and satisfied married adult
• 2 whole people are needed to make a whole, healthy marriage
• marriage is more like 1×1 = one flesh synergy
• when two halfway healthy people come together, its not as easy is ½ + ½ = 1
  • its more like ½ x ½ = ¼
    • there’s a negative synergy
• Radical thought – what would happen if you took the desperate energy you spend looking for a mate and instead redirected it into a desperate seeking after God?
  • We run after God, and eventually you look next to you and there is another person going in the same direction, not crossing each others path as much as it is joining each other’s side
  • HOW FAR IS TOO FAR? Because you aren’t married, assume your future spouse is going out on a date with someone else tonight. Where would you want that man or woman to set the erotic behavior limits with your future spouse tonight?

  In OT, the word for virgin comes from root words that mean “to separate” or “to hide” – to separate or hide something was to set it apart as special, unique, valuable – intentionally saved for purpose

  Sexual activity should never be a substitute for emotional or spiritual intimacy

  When we look to another other than God to supply our needs, then we give them the power to make us miserable, b/c they aren’t God and don’t possess the power to satisfy us

  Idolatry: looking to any person, object, or idea to supply what only God can supply

  Love can only take place where a relationship is free from idolatry and a person recognizes God as the source of everything

Last week, we focused on the spiritual reality that there are “fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16) being shot at us every single day. They are deeply embedded in the culture we all live in; the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the t.v. shows we surf through, and the websites we visit. The Bible teaches that we need to lift up the “shield of faith” to protect ourselves from these arrows of lies. However, we are not called just to defend ourselves. We are also given the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God, and swords are not just to “fend off our enemy.” When we are in the word of God consistently, we are empowered to be on the offensive and take back ground for the sake of God’s kingdom.  After teaching last week’s sermon, the Lord randomly led me to Psalm 64, which was a powerful compliment to what we’ve been learning.  You should read it today, and see how God fights on our behalf. We serve a mighty God! Let us walk with His full armor of protection each day.

If you haven’t heard, Truenorth is hosting their first annual Film Festival, along with a full out red-carpet Gala event (think Grammy’s meets Golden Globes meets VMA’s).  Form a team of high school students and email Evan@gfc.tv to officially register. The  movie-making process will start on Feb. 21st, and then the Gala is Friday night, March 5th. No matter what your level of experience is, you can and should participate. So register today!