Message Descriptions - Sept - December (2017)

September 17 – Meeting Needs (Acts 4:32-37)

In science, heat is naturally and reliably transferred from something that has a lot of heat to something that has very little heat. It’s just how nature works.  If you put a cold pot of water over a fire, the pot and water get hot. We use this principle in everything from power plants to automobiles. In the church, since love is the operating principle, there is a similar natural flow that we see in the early church.  In fact, the church of Jesus Christ should always act like this. Many of those in the first century who became believers also were in great financial need.  And those who had resources naturally rose up to meet that need – even at personal sacrifice and expense.  What has changed in the church today?  Perhaps a key to the impact that the church should have in our world is how normal this kind of activity is in the body of Christ!

Acts 4 – shared all things in common –

The connection – v. 32-33

Shared everything they had – didn’t claim it as their own – the apostles power in testifying to the resurrection

The Nuts and Bolts – v. 34-35

What does this reflect?  Couldn’t God have met everyone’s needs without this love for one another – this connection?  Why would God choose to meet our needs (even financial ones) through one another?

Great theory – how eager and ready are we to do this?  What would be a big enough signal that it was time to sell something for the sake of another’s need?

Barnabas – v. 36-37

A Levite – transformed into a Christ follower

Called “son of encouragement’ – his influence went far beyond his time – not a speaker or an evangelist – just someone who gave and encouraged!

Influence on Paul ch 9:26-27 – the connection between Paul and the apostles is made by Barnabas – also accompanied him on his first missionary journey

QUESTION: Is God asking us to see our possessions and money like this?  If so, what would He be calling us to do this month / year?  What stops us from having the kind of impact that Barnabas had?

September 24 – Provoke Each Other (Hebrews 10:19-25)

If you had siblings growing up, you probably know the meaning of the word “provoked”. It often carries a very negative feeling of irritating someone into doing something they shouldn’t do.  However, the Bible tells us that Christians should naturally be provoking one another – but not in a bad way.  We’re going to look at this passage in Hebrews and see part of the reason we should faithfully be in church – and connected deeply to the body of Christ. Perhaps what we each needs is some of this God ordained ‘provoking’.

Hebrews 10 – provoke to good works, encourage, exhort, remind of hope

Let us – draw near to God

Let us – hold unswervingly to hope

Let us – spur one another on to love and good works

Let us – not give up meeting together

To forsake – to cast aside or treat as less than important or valuable

What do we lose when we give up meeting together?

We decide that this is OPTIONAL instead of VITAL – and we act accordingly

QUESTION:  How close are you to God today?  How strong is your grip on hope?  Have you grown this year in love and good deeds?  Each of these fundamental Christian callings is tied to regularly being at church!

October 1 – Wise Connections (Proverbs12:18, 25, 15, 26) - COMMUNION

Your mobile phone most likely keeps you constantly aware of the need for a good connection.  Having signal so that you can text or call is a basic necessity.  Of course, now we’re also dependent on a data connection to keep up to date on all that’s happening on social media and in the world.  The quality of your connection has everything to do with how well your phone works.  Likewise, people need quality connections.  Many times, people don’t see the correlation between the people they choose to be around (or the ones they don’t choose to be around) and the experience of their life.  As we talk about how important church is in your life, we’re going to take a look in Proverbs and see the way that wise connections can make all the difference in your life!

Proverbs – the benefit of being connected to one another – a book full of descriptions of the impact we can and should have on one another

There is power for the biggest issues you’ll face in life in connection with the right people

Intro – many reasons to be deliberate in who you hang around with – those we invite to our inner circle and embrace as close friends have an impact on the direction and feel of my life – as well as the destination at which I will arrive

Negative connections – to be rejected – 1:10-17 – hanging around the wrong people brings destruction

Benefits… reasons (Proverbs 12)

1.         Wounds v. 18 the tongue of the wise brings healing

Your choice – you can be wounded by those you hang around – pierced like swords

Or – shockingly – you can find healing in words

The difference is the person you’re listening to – the reckless or the wise

Who do you give ear to?

2.         Worry v 25 – Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up

3.         Wisdom

12:15 – the way of a fool seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice,

v. 26 – The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray

13:20 – Walk with the wise and become wise

Where do we find the wise (so we can hang around them) – the wise are those who receive instruction!

Calling

11:25 –a generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed

Culture vs God – Who’s Right About Sex?

It seems that today, more so than any time we can remember, sexual issues are being reshaped from traditional ideas.  In some sense, a fresh look is always good.  However, as Christians, we need to be sure we actually know what our Creator has to say about these topics.  We probably hear vastly more argument and logic from our culture than we search out from what God has said on the topic.  Since these are really important topics, let’s take the next few weeks and look at what we can find in the Bible to address today’s sexual controversies.

October 8 - Foundations (Romans 5:12; 7:25; Psalm 145:17; James 1:12-17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Where should we start on our discussion about how a Christian should think and act sexually in our world today?  Let’s start at the beginning and touch on a few foundational truths. Without these, we have no footing in today’s swirling obsession with sex and sexuality.  It is vital that we have a good grip on these concepts and that we are able to express them simply and clearly whenever we need to talk about right and wrong from a believer’s perspective.  Do you know that a heterosexual is no more prone to do the right thing than a homosexual?  This comes from a very basic understanding of Scripture and our spiritual condition.  But so often we don’t grasp this reality.  And do you firmly and unshakably believe in the goodness and right-ness of God?  How about your understanding of love?  We’re going to address all of these topics as we dive into the deep end on the cultural wars all around us.

Some may be able to do much more with this than I can – but I’m inviting us to think this through

WHY should we live by the Biblical standard of sexual morality?

Love compels us – much is at stake – much is guessing

Much harm has been done to people by the church in this area – in the name of love

Those of you here today who are same sex attracted or transsexual, we want this to be a safe place for you

You are a human being first, and Jesus died for you – you can (and many of you have) receive Him and have eternal life

But all of us are called to follow Jesus – wherever that leads

I want to present this as a way for US to know what WE should do about our lives

Someone who is not a believer – this isn’t really for you – you need to know Jesus!

Getting this stuff right won’t save you – and messing it up won’t condemn you – where you stand with Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin is what determines that

1.         The Background (Romans 5:12; 7:25)

Fallen / consequences – all of our humanity struggles with the fallen nature of this world and our human nature

Our sexual makeup reflects this too –

Great gift – lousy god

What’s at stake – much more than sexual pleasure or even self-image or gender identity

2.         Our Guide (Psalm 145:17; James 1:12-17)

Christians live believing that God knows the right way (Psalm 145:17)

And that the wrong way has deadly consequences James 1

That puts us out of step with many

We don’t try to FORCE others to follow God… .but we are passionate about inviting them to give their lives to Jesus (1 Corinthans 1:18) it is foolishness to ask them to see when they are blind – and engaging in the ‘world’s wisdom’ is a losing cause

AND we don’t try to make a ‘measure up’ culture – people in process can belong here!

However, for all those interested in following Jesus, we want to make it clear what He says and call each of us to follow it

We see by faith – we trust in the Creator

That doesn’t mean there isn’t plain logical sense to what we believe on sexual issues

This is how Christians see the world and their mission

3.         What is love?  (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Love is love – love whoever you want

God is love – whoever loves is born of God and knows God

SO just do whatever is loving

Love is NOT sex – sexuality, sexual expression, sexual identity

Love and sex are so often connected that we almost assume they are one and the same

Love is NOT compatible with PRIDE – all the movements to marching for pride or power inequality are not going to produce love!

But what is loving?  By its very nature it is selfless, patient, devoted, exclusive and enduring (1 Cor 13)

How does that compare with what

What is love – 1 Cor 13 –

By definition self-denying, exclusive, and faithful

Some key elements – love can surrender self-interest, love can be gentle with others, love can wait, love looks for the good of others

OF COURSE!  But how often does the discussion today about sexual issues revolve around standing up for your rights?  Doing what makes you happy?

And how much of our culture trains people to believe that the most passionate love is the one that isn’t grounded in exclusive – porn, affairs, swinging

And isn’t grounded in self-control – sleeping together while dating, living together unmarried

Or self-denial

We almost believe that if we don’t have a sexual or romantic love, we’re destined to live less of a life!

Yet many have been called to this – including both Jesus and the Apostle Paul!

PURE and

Think about the discussion we see all around us in the world today – music, movies, etc…. how does it compare with self-denying, exclusive, and self controlled?

Porn teaches us and PROGRAMS us to sexuality for self-fulfillment – using others for our own sexual gratification

There isn’t an isolation barrier or some kind of mode switch between this behavior and interaction with a spouse (Present or future)

The love God has given in romance, marriage, and sexuality is BEST when it is exclusive

Everything about porn destroys trust, intimacy, selflessness, and healthy connection

QUESTION: Do you understand that the real issue in every one of us is that we are all fallen and our flesh will always twist God’s gifts?  Are you willing to live by faith, trusting God to tell you what is right and what is not – even if that means your natural desires will be unfulfilled?  Will you let God teach you what true love is?

October 15 – Follow Your Heart (1 Thess. 4:3-8; Psalm 101:3; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:3; Hebrews 11:6)

What is the key to a happy and satisfying life? Some might answer health or money or success, but most people will express some version of the same concept: follow your heart.  What we mean when we say that is that our desires are there to guide us and bring us to happiness.  And to our human mind, this makes sense.  Unfulfilled desires often make us miserable, so fulfilled desires must be the key to happiness.  So if you want a happy and satisfying life, look to your desires and do all you can to get what you want.  Unfortunately, this is a devastating and deadly lie.  And it drives much of the damage done in sexual behavior.  We are told to trust our desires, which James tells us will not end well.  As believers, are we aware of the lies that barrage us from within and without on this topic?

1. Living in Lust (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)

The world around us lives by lust

The way to happiness is to pursue and get what you want – no one should be able to tell you what you should do, you deserve the freedom to do whatever makes you happy

EXCEPT – murder, stealing, pedophilia…. Etc

The lie is obvious and common sense, yet it has been used as an absolute

In part because these issues are now falling into the category of morally neutral instead of right and wrong – because our culture rejects God and the Bible as authoritative and trustworthy

That is why we CANNOT and WILL NOT ultimately live like they do or agree with their conclusions

We are NOT to live by lust – but to live pure

Rejection of this is not a matter of ‘agreeing to disagree’ – we are rejecting the Spirit of Almighty God

2.         The Lust-driven Life (Psalm 101:3; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:3)

What does a lust-driven life engage?

Whatever you want –

Porn, extramarital relationships

Living By Lust (A Case for a Biblical Sexual Ethic)

Not WORSE sins – all of them are acts that reject God’s call and way – but certainly included in what is wrong!

A.         Porn

I will set no wicked thing before my eyes Psalm 101:3

Whoever looks on a woman to lust Matthew 5:27-28

The availability of free and anonymous pornography is overwhelming

Estimates have 80% of men and 25 to 33% of women addicted to porn – destroying their souls, their relationships, and their lives

Is it cheating?  What does Jesus say?

Do we overlook tv shows and movies that have content we shouldn’t be looking at?  Is it OK for a Christian to live this way?

B.         Immorality

1 Corinthians 6

Affairs, unfaithfulness, sex outside marriage

Aduterly - Engaging in betraying conduct emotionally or relationally – romantic expressions or interest (with or without actions) outside your marriage

Christians are called to live morally pure – resisting and actively engaged in the battle against lust and immorality

It means setting boundaries – acknowledging the pathways that get us in trouble

It means putting sin to death (Colossians 3)

Ephesians 5:3

We shouldn’t LOOK like we’re engaging in immorality

We should be wise about the ‘opportunity’ we give our flesh (Romans 16)

3.         Something Killed by This Deception (Hebrews 11:6)

Key element of any relationship – trust

Hebrews 11:6 – without faith it is impossible to please God – whoever comes to God must believe – it is the foundational element of our relationship with God (Trust = faith)

And therefore it is the foundational element of relationships

Immorality – if you can’t control yourself now….

Trust is built by being trustworthy in the face of options to be otherwise

The most overlooked opportunity for that today is being able to control your desire sexually (and deny gratification of it) in dating

That has real consequences in marriage

QUESTION: As a Christian, where does your life and thinking stand in comparison with God’s instruction?  If you are going to be serious about following Jesus, what needs to change in this area? 

October 22 – A Wandering World (Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 15:13-20; Deuteronomy 22:5; Psalm 139:13-16; Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 1:24-27; Leviticus 18:21-23)

Advertisers believe that if they show you something often enough, and sing its praises loud enough, eventually you’ll believe what they are telling you and want what they are selling.  When you look at that concept on paper, it seems so harsh and insulting.  And yet data shows it to largely be true.  We like what we are familiar with and are predisposed to believe what we hear often, as long as it makes some kind of sense to us.  Our world is having a similar effect on us as Christians as they hammer home their ideas and thinking on sexuality.  It is understandable that their ideas and arguments will ring true to us since we are human just like they are.  However, it is vital that we walk by faith and not by sight.  So, we’re going to look into some of the passages in Scripture that teach on sexuality – specifically in the areas of LGBT stuff.  Come and see for yourself what the Bible has to say about these current issues and decide for yourself what a Christ follower should do in these areas.

We’re going to talk about the political issues on sexuality that have played out over the past decade – homosexuality and transgenders

We are not here to condemn anyone – to stand in the place of judge

But we are here to be honest about what we’re taught – about our Creator’s design and intention – and about the fact that ultimately, we all answer to our Creator

1.         Our Approach

Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the truth in love… have we thought about what this actually means in this discussion and debate?

Philippians 2:3-4 – seeking the best for others, considering them above myself… who would be the target for our consideration and our honor in this?

Love is kind, gentle, not forcing itself on others…. 1 Cor 13!

We don’t need to FORCE anyone else to act like God directs or to accept His instructions – its why I’m not put off by the changes in laws

Matthew 15:13-20 – blind leaders of the blind – it is a heart issue

I don’t expect a child to understand the ins and outs of a mortgage payment or have the capacity to drive – it is beyond their current ability

I am enlightened by the surveys that reflect the change in opinion on these matters – people are being persuaded – but I think without any real case made for the traditional ideas

While we live in a fallen world – created / DESIGN is clear

Those who identify as LGBT – while they are invited into a relationship with God – and may truly have one – there are some realities

First, if you read what is written by Paul and by Moses and by others, it is really hard to stamp God’s approval on same sex ACTIONS as well as gender identity transition

Second, those who take our best scientific and psychological advice almost universally wind up – in relationship to connection with God - feeling on the outside looking in

Third, this may be your situation – your makeup – your bent – but all of us are called to TRUST God more than our understanding or feelings – all of us

While it may seem like more is at stake for an LGBT person (and this may actually be true) in human terms, we all are in the same boat spiritually with the same answers

Worryer isn’t hurting anyone – convinced it is an expression of love – but really missing out

By NATURE / BIRTH / PERSONALITY – but there’s a better way

2.         Gender Identity (Deuteronomy 22:5; Psalm 139:13-16; Genesis 1:27)

How should a Christian approach this – what advice should we give?

Transexuals – if the gender of your birth does not feel right to the core of your being, you are invited to a choice between what you believe is your identity and the one assigned to you at birth by God

Psalm 139, Genesis 1, Deuteronomy 22:5

3.         Same Sex Attraction (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 1:24-27; Leviticus 18:21-23)

How does a Christian deal with these feelings?  How do we treat those who live in this manner?

Homosexual – the choice you have is between the one (or the gender) you’re attracted to and God

1 Corinthians 6 – it’s a long list, and one is not better or worse than the other, but it is definitely and specifically included here

Today’s arguments that this is a power relationship don’t actually line up with history or language – and strike me as an attempt to make the text say what we want it to say to fix our tension

But this is not the only place - Romans 1:24-27 – hard to argue the words here!

Leviticus 18:21-23 – look at the types of sexual behavior listed…. Same morally as eating shellfish?

Incest, child sacrifice, beastiality

Why would God do this to me?  Fallen world does this to us – and God uses it to call us to meaningful trust in Him

Does God use personal sacrifice and pain for good? (the cross)

Would God use something like this to make the path of faith so clearly separated from the path of flesh?

QUESTION: Is my approach to these topics twisted in any way, or does it genuinely reflect Jesus? What will be my authority on these matters?  How should I respond to those who are facing hard decisions on these sexual matters?

10/29 – A Drought-Proof Life (Psalm 1)

You probably take water for granted.  Whether it is drinking water, cool and clean, or water for washing, or water for some other purpose, most of us have had very little experience where water was scarce.  That is not the case around the world today, and it is very unusual historically.  Most of the people who have lived understood the life-threatening danger of a water shortage.  As we begin Psalms, we read about a life that is well-watered and able to withstand the drought.  Try to put yourself in the mindset of the first ones to read this (or sing it) and the many billions of people who understood from first-hand experience how much of a privilege it would be to have plenty of water. We’ll see how the writer uses this picture to teach us about a life that can stand up to the heat and weather that each of us face in this life… and a soul that can stand before the Creator when this life is over.

1.         Life Choices (v. 1)

Not walking, standing, or sitting

Progressive entropy

Why would someone choose to turn away from these? 

Why would someone even recognize them

2.         Deep Roots (v. 2-3)

The law of the Lord = Scripture – what God has given us over time through prophets

Meditate in it day and night – WHY?  Seems like a lot of energy and time focused on this

Result – v. 3 – planted = roots

River of water – in context, God’s way through God’s words – meditating is like gathering refreshing water through the roots of a tree by the river

Leaf doesn’t wither – heat comes, but the tree is still green and strong

The environment above ground does not determine this tree’s health – the situation below ground at the root level trumps the surface conditions

3.         Blown Away (v. 4-5)

Chaff – blown away – lightweight and ungrounded – no defense and no strength

Wicked – in the day of judgment – WON’T STAND

Those in ‘sin’ won’t stand with the ‘righteous

The Lord sees – no defense, no case

Destruction – that is why v. 1

QUESTION: Is your life drought-proof?  Have the times of heat and hardship blown you around or are you still well-watered? Would you decide today to embrace the opportunity given in this song – embrace the truth, deal with your sin, and have the Lord watch over your way!

11/5- Family or Foe? (Psalm 2)

If you ever find yourself watching a mystery show on TV, whether it is a recounting of something that actually happened or a fictional story meant to entertain, you’ll find that the suspects are generally those closest to the victim.  Of course, this is a betrayal of the greatest magnitude, since family is supposed to be loyal and dependably protective of one another. But David writes this song to draw a distinction between the roles of family or enemy. He begins by marveling at the powerful people in the world who think they can oppose God.  Then he talks about his own relationship with the Lord, using terms that speak of family and affection.  The song ends with David making a recommendation to everyone to choose to see God in His rightful place of power and authority.  Which side of this song describes you?  Let’s embrace the wisdom of the choice David calls us to in this song!

1.         Enemies of God (v. 1-6)

2.         My Son (v. 7-9)

3.         Your Choice (v. 10-12)

QUESTION: Are you fighting the hopeless battle of opposing God somewhere in your life?  Do you recognize the amazing privilege of being called God’s child?  Do we have the respect for the Lord that He deserves?

11/12 - What’s Next For Hope? (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

Our church is growing and God is doing incredible things in our people. As we head towards Thanksgiving, it is very appropriate to let our hearts be filled with wonder and gratitude.  But it brings up some natural questions among our church family.  Maybe one question serves as a good summary: What’s next for Hope?  We’re going to take this morning and talk about God’s direction for our growth.  Not everything is clear and certain (the plan of God rarely affords us this luxury).  However, there are some elements of our mission and some aspects of God’s direction for our future that we can share.  Don’t miss this morning if you are a part of Hope as we talk about where we will be directing our energies as God continues to add to Hope!

Ambassadors – making His appeal

Message of reconciliation

What makes me go after this everyday?  People… seeing restoration and transformation by the power of the Spirit

I deeply believe what Paul wrote – and I want to do what I can do to be a minister of reconciliation between people and God

Mission – everyone we can – are there more?  Assume there is….

Any healthy church grows – any healthy Christian shares

More people with hurts?  Broken? In need of God’s redeeming work?

First steps – small groups rock

Streaming and posting of video from Wed and Sunday – if you have to choose between small group and Wed night, we’ll stream Wed nights and you can watch it live or later

It does us no good to gather if we don’t grow – if all we are is a show or a big crowd, we don’t see the kind of reconciliation that Jesus offers on the scale that represents God’s power and love

Growth options – build / buy something bigger….

2 issues that seem out of step with US – first is feel…. Walking in and not being able to know most people is de-energizing for us – smaller works better – 1000+ in one room works for many people, but probably not for us

Second is money – investing millions of dollars into a building seems like a lot of money to spend unless we’re sure that’s what God has

Better ways to spend money to reach more people – do the most with what we have

More services here…. Need assistant pastor or something akin

Potential for 3^rd service if we can reasonably manage the workload

A group of people feel a burden to bring Hope to a new town – maybe we rent a space, maybe a small empty church or a struggling church will be an open door to a building…

The plant / multisite option

Looking for God to move in our people to reach a town… community

Maybe one, maybe several

Some technology stuff to figure out – start streaming and posting videos

Some staffing needed – tech person, and assistant pastor

In the 3-5 year range we’re looking for who believes in sharing Jesus to their core and recognizes the call of God on them to step out and reach more

This can’t be about US – has to be about mission and cause – calling and eternity

11/19 – Praise Service

Each year we kick off Thanksgiving week by extending our time in music and by opening up the service to those who would like to give thanks.  It is hard to explain how great of a blessing this service will be, but to those who have attended before, no explanation is needed.  Come with a heavy heart or a heart full of joy.  Come if you feel thankful or if you don’t.  And then listen to what God is doing and can do in our lives.  Be encouraged that His plan is still unfolding in you and around you, and let God use our church family to speak to your heart in our service today!

11/26 – Safe Under Attack (Psalm 3)

COMMUNION

The hurricanes that swept through our country this year were devastating and powerful storms.  It is hard to imagine the amount of damage that was done, or the overwhelming cost to clean it up.  But what seemed ever-present were the calls from government officials for people in danger zones to take refuge.  Of course we know that nothing can stop a storm of this size from going where it wants and doing tremendous damage.  However, in the midst of those storms, there were strong buildings in strategic locations that protected the lives of people.  This idea of protection from a storm is a common theme in music, and David writes about it from his own life in this Psalm.  He knew how it felt to be in danger and to face the threats of others.  His song is one of the many times he writes about how he responds to these moments in life.

1.         People Talking (v. 1-2)

Their voices are many and their message is to discourage or deflate

2.         My Shield (v. 3-6)

You are a shield around me

My glory

The one who lifts my head high

I call and He answers me

I sleep, I wake, the Lord sustains me

I WILL NOT FEAR though tens of thousands assail me on every side

3.         Calling to the Lord (v. 7-8)

Arise, deliver

Strike their jaw, break their teeth

From the Lord comes deliverance – essential to the peace and safety of soul described in this song… this convinced belief

QUESTION: When people tell you that God won’t help you or save you, does it feel true? Do you have this discussion with yourself about God being your shield and not living in fear?  What is your hope for deliverance?

12/3 – An Unanswered Prayer (Psalm 4)

Have you ever felt like you prayed for something over and over, but God just didn’t answer? All of us understand that we may have to wait a little for God to address our situation, but there are times when it feels like He just hasn’t heard at all.  In those moments, we have to figure out what we’re going to believe and how we’re going to respond.  This song from David is about that very spot in life.  David cries out to God for an answer.  It is as though he has been asking about something over and over, but God has not answered.  How does David process this and what does this song teach us about a situation like this?

1.         I Need An Answer (v. 1-2)

Seems that this has been a prayer for a while – and no answer has come

Relief from my distress

Mercy on me – HEAR my prayer

Possible that v. 2 is David’s original complaint – people aren’t taking God seriously – they are turning to worship other gods

Ultimately, the content of David’s request isn’t as important to us today as David’s way of dealing with God’s lack of answer

2.         What Do You Believe? (v. 3-5)

Know

The Lord has set apart His faithful servant for himself – I am the Lords, even when He doesn’t answer

The Lord hears – v. 1, please hear me… now, I know he hears me

Do not sin – still worthwhile to obey – do right, and stop doing wrong – listen to Him, even when it feels like He isn’t listening to us

Offer sacrifices – still worth sacrificing, honoring, worshipping God

Trust in the Lord – what do I believe?

3.         I Know You’ll Answer (v. 6-8)

Who will bring us prosperity – who will meet our needs – we have lack now, we need supplies now, but God isn’t answering

David’s answer…. God loves us and is just about to let the light of His face shine on us

WHEN their grain and new wine abound, I will be filled with joy – it’s coming, and I’m already envisioning the answer that seems like it will never come

I will be at peace – I will sleep

You make me live in safety – you alone

QUESTION: Are there prayers in your life that seem unanswered?  Do you believe that God still hears, that He still holds you, that it’s still worth living for Him?  Can we put our faith in Him even when He hasn’t answered yet?

12/10 - Cantata

12/17 – Kids Program

12/24 – Christmas Eve Service