Point of Grace Online Worship - February 18, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 2.18.24 Sermon Notes – “Come with Me by ourselves to a quiet place?” – Jesus

How does it feel when someone you enjoy “fights” for time with you?

How does it feel when they don’t?

Mark 6 “30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Jesus “fights” for time alone with His followers! He still does!

Jesus wants to have personal time with you! He wants us to be in our presence so we can be in His!

Mark 11 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

2 Chronicles 7 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

Isaiah 56 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” 8 The Sovereign Lord declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”

1 Corinthians 6 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

Ephesians 2 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

In Baptism God placed His Name on you (us) to be His dwelling place – His House. It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer for the nations.”

Jesus fights for us. He fights for you! He fights for set apart time of being with Him – for prayer!

There are many “robbers our hearts can become a den for” but they do not own us!

Only One has paid the price for us! Only one has placed His Name on us! In only One Presence does our being find belonging – does our voice find hearing!

“Come with me, by yourselves to a quiet place!” - Jesus

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 11, 2024

Point of Grace Worship        2.11.24 Sermon Notes – Deeper and Wider – Why?

Why go “Deeper and Wider” in 2024 and Beyond?

The “hour” we find ourselves in, when honestly considered, demand a Deeper and Wider life and lifestyle.

Our “hour” refers to the challenges and opportunities our context and life realities exert on us!

What does your “hour” look like?

Jeremiah 29 4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

The “hour” for the exiles demanded going “deeper” lifestyle of seeking, praying, coming to the Lord fueled by the promise “I will be found by You”.

God consistently uses the desperation of our “hour” to take us deeper into Him … even as a host of other options scream for our attention.

Ephesians 5:15-20
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
 Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.! 

In our demanding “hour” many escapes will be presented to bring relief …. only the One brings Restoration.

As we look forward to Ash Wednesday and Lent consider;

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus, what should I be “throwing off” in this season that I might go deeper with You?

Jesus, what should I be “adding” in this season that will help me “fix my eyes” on You?

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 4, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 2.4.24 Sermon Notes – Deeper and Wider – Why?

“Deeper and Wider” for 2024 and Beyond

Start with “Why?” The Big Question is “Why?”

Why go “Deeper and Wider” in 2024 and Beyond?

Why? is the motivational question. Why? Is the fuel for action, for staying the course, for sacrificing

2 Corinthians 5 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Christ’s Love compels us “Deeper and Wider” because it is deeper and wider that we dared dream.

Christ’s love is:

•                     So Wide it includes All …… which includes me, you and them.

•                     So Deep it Reconciles All to the Father…… which includes me, you and them.

•                     So Deep and Wide it must be Shared …… we get to be Christ’s ambassador.

Christ’s love is:

•                     So Wide it includes All …… which includes me, you and them. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

•                     So Deep it Reconciles All to the Father…… which includes me, you and them. 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

•                     So Deep and Wide it must be Shared …… we get to be Christ’s ambassador. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

What motivates and sustains us as individuals and as a church for going “Deeper and Wider in 2024 and Beyond”?

Living lives of deep soaking in Christ’s Love and wide drippings of Christ’s love!

Ephesians 3 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Jesus, I love being loved by You. ……… This time today in your word and presence immerses me in Your deep love for me!......... I love being loved by You!

I love how deep your love is so I can swim freely, how eternal it is so there is no rushing with you,

I love how gracious your love is so my shame, guilt or those haunting “not enough” feelings don’t exclude me,

I love how strong your love is so I can come tired … weak,

I love how cleansing your love is so I can come dirty,

I love how patient your love is never tiring of my talking,

I love how wide your love is inviting even me to the table of Your presence treating me like I belong

I love how sacrificial Your love is serving me with a new life paid for by Your death.

Jesus I love being loved by You…….

Point of Grace Online Worship - January 28, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 1.28.24 Sermon Notes – “The War, The Warrior and The Win 3!”

What is God revealing to us about Jesus and the Kingdom of God through the “temptation” account?

There is a War…… There is a Warrior…. There is a Win

Matthew 3:16-4:11 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil……..

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

What is the Spirit revealing about satan’s temptations, about Jesus and about the way things work in His kingdom?

In an attempt to derail Jesus and His mission Satan offers a shortcut to glory, to being the boss, to reigning over the earth …. which is what the ‘Son of God’ should be doing.

Jesus is tempted to ‘get power and authority” without going the way of the cross. This is a big way satan tempts… offering success without sacrifice, resurrection without crucifixion, living the new life without death to the old life…… forgiveness without repentance……

Jesus did get “all authority in heaven and on earth” He is exalted to the highest place……. He is worthy to receive all glory and honor because …………………………….He is the Lamb who had been slain. Revelation 5 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, …… 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Something more sinister in satan’s temptation. Jesus is tempted to see life with God as “transactional instead of relational”!

Satan offers Jesus a “deal” ……………… the Father has given Him an “identity”? Jesus honors His Father, not because it’s a good deal but because its who He is …. He is the Son and He only has One Father.

Satan will always tempt us to question whether we are getting a good deal from God – am I getting what I am paying for - is my religious effort “worth it”…… does prayer “pay off”….. am I getting the spiritual goods and services my “tithe” is in essence buying for me.

We now honor our Father in heaven and do His will, not because it is a good deal, but it who we are “Children of God”!

We only have One Father – One God – One Savior – One Jesus!

“Worship the Lord your God and serve Him Only”

Holy and Victorious Trinity – Father Son and Holy Spirit………

You alone are worthy of all my worship, my heart’s devotion, all my praise, all my trust and all the glory of my life.

I love you, I worship you, I trust you.

I give myself over to you in my heart’s search for life. You alone are Life, and you have become my life.

I renounce all other gods, all idols, ………. and I give you the place in my heart and in my life that you truly deserve.

Jesus, You are the Hero of this story, and I belong to you. Forgive me for my every sin.

Search me and know me and reveal to me where you are working in my life, and grant to me the grace of your healing and deliverance, and a deep and true repentance.

Point of Grace Online Worship - January 21, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 1.21.24 Sermon Notes – “The War, The Warrior and The Win!”

What is God revealing to us about Jesus and the Kingdom of God through the “temptation” account?

There is a War…… There is a Warrior…. There is a Win

Matthew 3:16-4:11

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

…………….11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

In the 1st temptation satan is tempting Jesus to use his power (if he truly is the Son of God) to take care of himself over trusting the Father’s provision and timing – to use kingdom of men tactics to get along in the world, to buy into the assumption that the Son of God should not go hungry. (Agreements) How would this drive a wedge between Jesus and His Father ….. and His Father’s mission for Him?

In the 2nd temptation satan tempts Jesus to “call into question” the Father’s care just enough to warrant staging a little “test” just to make sure the Father will come through. It is not outright doubting but subtle questioning which nurtures that need for more proof. Human nature is easily tempted to stall “trusting” to get more proof – elimination of risk is a common “kingdom of men” tool for success.

Why are we vulnerable to this temptation in relationship to God?

By nature we want to stay in __________ to take the _______ in the relationship using God’s power and provision at or discretion.

What now?

1) Aligning our hearts and minds with Jesus every day in substantial ways is crucial for battling this temptation to “test” instead of “trust”. . Jesus won the victory and our hope for daily victory is found in Him.

2) Satan will use this tactic to keep distance between us and our Father. We can ask Jesus to help us see where we have made “agreements” with untruths about God and His caring love for us and in His name break them.  

Jesus, reveal to me where I have fallen for this temptation to not trust You. Show me where I have made “agreements’ with untruths in order to protect my wounds or stay in control.

In Jesus name, I renounce all agreements with untruths, specifically _________________ and receive the truth from God.

In Jesus name, I renounce satan and his kingdom and all forces of spiritual evil coming against me today. In the might name of Jesus, Amen.

Point of Grace Online Worship - January 14, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 1.14.24 Sermon Notes – “The War, The Warrior and The Win!”

What is God revealing to us about Jesus and the Kingdom of God through the “temptation” account?

There is a War…… There is a Warrior…. There is a Win

Matthew 3:16-4:11

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Helpful Insights:

•                     This is a continuous narrative from the baptism account. The chapter break is unfortunate.

•                     There is a connection between Adam’s story, Israel’s story and Jesus’ journey. Adam and Israel failed to be faithful to their identity as God’s son – Will Jesus?

•                     Verses 4:1-2 creates the tension of war – battle – attack. Is Jesus in a position of weakness? Who took the bait? Jesus is a different kind of human being? Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

There is a War…… There is a Warrior…. There is a Win

1 Peter 5 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith,

Ephesians 6 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

What was the first temptation and how did Jesus do?

2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

What is the “false choice based on a false assumption”? (The devil is very good at this strategy.)

How does the devil use “doubt” in temptation? What is his goal – where is he trying to create doubt?

Jesus, being Son of God and truly human, uses his power within the boundaries of His Father’s will not to take matters and His future into His own hands. He is a different kind of human – the kind we were all meant to be.

How are we tempted like this? Where is my weak spot where it is natural for me to “take matters into my own hands” falling for the temptation to “doubt” my Father in heaven and His provision for me?

How does it look different when I show up to battle “aligned with Warrior Jesus” or I just show up to battle with the best that I can muster?

There is a War There is a Warrior There is a Win

“But for us fights a valiant One whom Himself elected.”

Point of Grace Online Worship - January 7, 2024

Point of Grace Worship 1.7.24 – Sermon Notes – Epiphany and The Baptism of Jesus

Epiphany – “to shine light on” - to reveal   

Mark 1:1-11
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

What is being ‘revealed’ through John’s message and ministry?       

-          “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins……. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

-           And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I,… I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

We will never really “get” Jesus unless we “get” our need for Jesus!

                         Jesus has made possible forgiveness of sins  and life in the Spirit.

 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

        2Cor.5 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and
the Spirit descending on (into) him like a dove. 

11 And a voice came from heaven:
              “You are my Son,                            (identity)
                whom I love;                                  (love)
                with you I am well pleased.”     (approval)

In baptism I am “clothed with Christ” so that “in Christ” these same declarations are over me.

We get identity as forgiven, loved, approved and Spirit-filled children of God.  It is all a gift because of Jesus!

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 31, 2023

Sermon Notes  12/31/23

1.       Wanting to give this congregation three gifts for the new year.

a.       Comes from my personal journey of taking Jesus more seriously.

b.       Looking at Jesus as a sincere person

c.       Looking at Jesus as a person with REAL beliefs

2.       I want to believe what Jesus believes.

a.       Following Jesus means I want to love what Jesus loves and do what Jesus does… but that requires me to believe what Jesus believes.

b.       If I am willing to adopt Jesus’ beliefs as my own, I need to act as if he is telling me the truth, and as if he really knows what he is talking about.

c.       If Jesus knows what he is talking about, and if he is telling me the truth… then I only have one thing left to do…

3.       I want to Believe Jesus

a.       Can we believe in Jesus if we don’t simply believe him?

b.       Some of the things that Jesus says are hard… but if I believe he is telling the truth, then that helps me to see his way as true reality, and my way as a faulty imitation.

c.       The truth is… Jesus’ teachings demand that I believe him (Banquet parable)

d.       But how can one believe what Jesus says?

4.       “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”      - Mark 1:15

a.       Jesus believes that the kingdom is here and now… it is at hand

                                    i.    This means we cannot ignore it… or His teachings about it. (Occupation)

b.      The kingdom is God’s way of living… of believing

                                     i.      That means that we don’t just know about it… we live it out

c.       The majority of Jesus’ teachings are not about repenting of sins… but of repenting of belief systems… of mindsets.

                                       i.      No one gets into the kingdom without a few belief systems dying along the way.

5.       The Kingdom will NEVER be good news to us… unless we repent. 

a.       We will reject this kingdom… unless we repent of the old one.

Read final thoughts.

If we are going to really take Jesus seriously… then we must take his words seriously. We must at least consider that he is more than a religious textbook to be learned, tested on, and disregarded. We must see Jesus as the leader of a belief system. The leader of OUR belief system. We must see Jesus’ words as a worldview to be adopted, and not the author of a few teachings to be ignored. We cannot ignore these words, and pretend to love the man who spoke them. If we do, then we will miss out on the meaningful life Christ intends... now and for eternity. For no one would ever enter the kingdom of God unless they believe it is a good one. And no one will believe that the kingdom of God is a good kingdom unless they repent of their own old and broken kingdom. We must repent… not so that we can earn Jesus… so that we can believe Jesus. Repenting of sins is good as far as it goes… but repenting of belief systems is much more difficult… and long lasting. This year, may we believe Jesus, and repent of our controlling nature that ill only “love our neighbor as ourselves” if our neighbor acts the same way we would act. This year may we believe Jesus, and repent of our anger, so that the words “forgive seventy times seven” becomes a joyful act of freedom, as opposed to a silly and overly simple suggestion. This year may we believe Jesus, and repent of our addiction to anxiety, so that instead of rejecting Jesus’ plea to “worry not”, we can embrace his trusting perspective as our own, and be like the sparrows that he feeds. The examples are endless, because essentially each of Jesus’ teachings requires us to repent, to trust, and to believe, in order to enjoy the good news of the kingdom. Practically everything Jesus said boils down to “HEY! God is here, things are changing. And you will miss this wonderful Kingdom, unless you turn around from your old Kingdom first. So turn! Quick! I want this news to be good to you!”

And to each of you who looks at your life and thinks that because you do not have addictions, or tragedies, or flaws or traumas, or crippling shame to be wiped away… you need to look deeper.

We each have our own perspective which kicks God out and keeps us on the throne of our lives. We all have an addiction to a way of thinking that puts us first and God last. The thing about addictions is that we are powerless to break them without God’s help… and God only works with helpless people. No more should we say “Well this is all well and good for you, but I don’t have problems… I am just normal.” No… everyone repents, everyone has a core belief that must die… so that they can find a new core belief that relies ON Jesus.

Remember… Jesus died, because we ALL die. In fact… he claimed that none of us were really alive anyway. He rose again, so that we can ALL rise again. You have dead beliefs inside of you… you really do, and Jesus wants to destroy them on his cross and bury them in his tomb, so that you, clothed in His righteousness, can rise again, believing in His kingdom, instead of your own.

So what is your belief… what conviction do you have that contradicts Jesus? Let’s pray for this now.