Church : San Diego - Hope

Canvas Church : San Diego

Hope 

-I & II Thessalonians- (Letters Paul wrote to the church) 

Pastor Jo

"Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain." (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 ESV)

These people received persecution from their "family" the church. Trying to kill them! So Paul was concerned that the devil would intercede & use that tribulation to confuse God's people.  

2Corinthians12 - tribulation is apart of life. What matters is how you respond to it. That pressure has a purpose. It's about perspective. 

MISUNDERSTANDINGS LEAD TO MISCONDUCT. 

Philippians 4:8

"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you," (1 Thessalonians 3:6-11 ESV)

When we feel like we want to quit we need to talk to God & ask him to remind us of his promises. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you. God uses people as knifes to circumcising your heart & transform us from self centeredness to glorification of God. God allows pressure to remove impurities & bring out the best in you.  

"You're not just carbon, YOU ARE A DIAMOND!" 

Surround yourself with people that see you that way. 

HOPE

Canvas Church : San Diego

Hope 

-I & II Thessalonians-

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 ESV)

Three main tenets of the Christian Faith:

1) Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

2) Hope - the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. 

John 3:16 -For God so LOVED, whoever BELIEVES in him, you'll have EVERLASTING life.  = faith. hope. Love

Hope without faith is a wish!

Faith without hope is an unattained promise b/c you haven't given up yet.

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (Hebrews 6:18-19 ESV)

3) Love 

 

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 ESV)Romans 10 

and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5 ESV)

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

Rest- Rebuilds endurance 

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

Focus on the promises of God. What are the things he promised to you?

Its possible to have hope without faith & hope without faith, but you stay in one long enough & it produces the other. 

Read Acts 17

God Encounters : Pastor Ben

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters : Pastor Ben

"Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 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.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:1-42 ESV)

"Jesus Juke" .. "Spiritual Juke"

Thinking it's one going one way and it's going a totally different direction. 

This passage has Jesus jukes all over the place! We call them "parables". 

Referencing water, a husband, food, etc .. They weren't expecting the responses that he gave & he spoke to them in parables. God encoubters! 

1) A true God encounter will give you a new perspective. She looked at Jesus as a Jew, why are you asking me for water. But her perspective changes from a Jew to a Prophet to the Messiah. And it changed her interaction. It changed the way she listened to him. (read the apostles)

 EX. A homeless man can give you advice about money & your like ok whatever your homeless. A wealthy man can give you the  EXACT same advice & your like wow! 

God mentioned the 5 men she was with .. That showed how she was searching for affirmation. Once she told everyone about Jesus she was saying, I dont need these men to affirm me anymore b/c I met a man who knows everything. Even when Jesus was baptized, the very first thing God did was affirm him. (Not based on what he did or hadn't did but b/c you are my son.) 

2) He laid out a plan for continual God encounters: Through worship.

God encounters dont happen b/c you so desperately need him but b/c he wants so desperately to meet with me. 

3) Purpose. He went there with the intention of affirming that woman. Her perspective was changed & it impacted others around her. 

People think I'm coming into his relationship with Jesus & now I have all these things i need to change. If that's your perception, you will work your whole life to try & prove yourself. Versus I'm coming into this relationship and his grace changes me. He loves me no matter what I do. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave everyone a parachute" 

God Encounters : Melissa Miller

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

Melissa Miller 

"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19 ESV)

Leprosy is comparable to the zombies in the tv show The Walking Dead as far as it being called "the death before death" & and also as far as what they look like (ailments). This is why the other 9 stood back at a distance. All except for 1. 

Some healing is instant & some he tells to walk it out in faith. Sometimes God doesn't always give you his hand but he gives you his word. 

People after Gods heart care more about Gods approval than the approval of others. They aren't satisfies with outward appearances, they want inward transformation. 

"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan." (Luke 17:15, 16 ESV)

Sozo- to save, keep safe & sound, rescue from danger or destruction, wellness, complete wholeness. Luke 17:19

People after Gods heart have an attitude of gratitude.  What prayer request are you living in? What has God blessed you with already that you take for granted when other people are coveting what you have. 

Is the height of your joy dependent on the depth of your things? Speaking life. 

People after Gods heart seek his PRESENCE over His PERFORMANCE. Don't seek after feelings and experiences, seek after God. He is everything you need. 

Jehovahjireh - he provides (its who he is)

God Encounters :Pastor Brandon Miller

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

Pastor Brandon Miller

"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed. Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." (Mark 6:30-46 NLT)

The Desolate Place:

Desolate: deserted of people in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness. 

The number 1 prescription in the country, aside from sickness & disease, is anti-depressants.

The desolate place is where God does a work in the heart. 

1) Find rest in God 

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. "(Philippians 4:6 NLT)

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

2) God will call you to serve others.

We find our purpose in serving others. 

3) It's an opportunity to depend on God. 

It's nice to plan & as a whole we tend to be independent. BUT WHO GETS THE GLORY IF YOUR NOT DEPENDING ON GOD. What are you living for? Instead of, look what I've done, how about look what God has done through me. 

John 6:5 portrays how we attempt to come up with our own solutions. Go back to what we know or run away, and it just might work BUT YOUR MISSING OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD COME THROUGH IN MAGNIFICENT WAY. The correct answer is, what do you say we do God (like Philip).

4) It's an opportunity to exercise faith. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Do things, take steps of faith. 

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus." (Matthew 17:1-8 NLT)

Ever had an awkward moment? Like you saw someone waving & thought they were waving at you but they were really waving at someone behind you. Lol

Peter had an awkward moment: "Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 

God showed up & interrupted Peter's moment. Basically told him to shut up & listen to his son.

1) God encounters ALWAYS point to Jesus.

Peter wasn't even acknowledged. Peter made it about himself like "its good that IM here b/c I can add to this moment by doing something that I know how to do."

Peter tried to prove his acceptance of why he was there in that moment. 

We do the same thing, we feel like we have to prove what we can do or how we can perform. We always search for affirmation. We live in a fatherless world, where children look to their mothers to nurture them & their fathers to affirm. There is no need to seek affirmation from men & women on this earth.

And we can't impress God! We have to stop trying to affirm his love for us. The point is to be transformed so instead of looking at it from a "works" point of view, realize that God loves us NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. The only affirmation we need is that he sent his son, Jesus. 

THIS IS WHAT SEPARATES CHRISTIANITY FOR THE REST IF THE WORLD. YOU CAN DO NOTHING TO EARN IT. 

Mathew 7:21-23

2) God encounters are often unannounced.

3) God encounters are usually interrupt your plans.

( Read Matthew Mark Luke & John. Do a character study on Peter & John. Peter focused on how he loved God; John focused how God loved him. )

Why are Moses & Elijah there? 

Moses represents the law.

Elijah represents the prophesies. 

..Then they lift up there eyes & see only Jesus is there saying dont be afraid; symbolizing that what you cant accomplish in the laws & what you cant fulfill in the prophesies doesn't matter because I am here (: 

I LOVE YOU. 

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

"One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father —the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” (Exodus 3:1-12 NLT)

This shows us that God can show up whenever, however, & where ever he wants. God does this throughout the bible. This is an invitation. He gets his attention & draws Moses in then he began to reveal some things to him. God doesn't reveal everything right away. 

"Take your shoes off this is holy ground." Moses was just invited in on this intimate relationship. "Come inside, friend." People back then wore sandals or no shoes at all so upon entering someones house it was customary to wash your feet & not trek dirt through someone's house. 

1) It's an invitation to Grace. Moses is a murderer! He didn't earn anything, he is running for his life. AND HE IS OLD (like 80), he wasn't "qualified". "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. "(Ephesians 2:8 NLT) God wants you to know it's not about you? It's about him. He can choose who ever, where ever, when ever!

And the very way we enter into this relationship is the same way it is maintained. BY GRACE.! 

2) Then once your intrigued: An invitation to purpose. No prerequisite necessary. He lays out a plan & a purpose to Moses ..to free his people. 

That plan is still the same today by the way. 

God says here's who you are and I'm going to put purpose behind it. You lead sheep awesomely Moses so now I want you to lead my people. 

3) An invitation to fulfillment. This entire plan had NOTHING to do with Moses personally. It wasn't about him at all. Verse 10 is the moment where Moses finds fulfillment, from the moment he was shoved down the river in the basket God had a plan for him. 

"Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10 NLT)

You often have to confront the things in your past in order to walk through to your future & your fulfillment. 

Verse 12 God made Moses a promise. Come back & stand in this same place & worship me with my people, confirming that IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED! God never fails. 

God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” (Exodus 3:12 NLT)

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) 

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

Mothers Day

God Encounters 

Abraham who has had 7 God encounters, where the Lord appeared to him. Sarah (Abraham's wife) approaching 90 years old & never held her very own child. Waiting for a promise that God made to Abraham. 25 years later & still no baby. Sarah was probably feeling lonely, disappointed, ashamed, & forgotten. How could a woman as old as me have a child?  

"And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:1-15 ESV)

"The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” (Genesis 21:1-7 ESV)

A God Encounter : us seeing God in a way that we have never seen before.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8 ESV)

God presents himself to us on a daily basis &  he's waiting for us to encounter him. Taste & see! 

1) God encounters require faith but not always YOUR faith! Sarah laughed, she clearly had no faith for it but b/c Abraham did, she had a child. (Mark 2:2-12) "hijacked by God just when you say 'i'm over it'."

2) Reinforce the fact that nothing is too difficult for God. "Is anything to hard for the Lord"..

3) God encounters remind us that his promises do not have an expiration date. We try to take matters into our own hands like Abraham & Hagar. We try to rush things along & create it under our own strength. We can manipulate our ways into a lot of things but sooner or later it ends. Or we forget about the promise & assume that it's not for us. The dreams God gives are huge & sometimes seem outside of us. Is this really for me? "Will this really ever happen?” Remember, He who promised is faithful! Be confident that God can make a way when there seems to be no way. 

What promises have you been sitting on? 

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

The first miracle Jesus did: 

"On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." (John 2:1-11 ESV)

Jesus didn't come there planning to do a miracle, he even said to his mother what does that have to do with me. Often times we are waiting for God to do something but sometimes God is waiting on you to come to him. Like his mother, she moved the hand of God. 

"Draw nearer to God & he will draw nearer to you", Keep knocking, keep asking, keep seeking. It wasn't just her who activated the miracle, there were servants who put it in place. It took obedience on the servants part as well to activate the hand of God. His mom started the process & got the ball rolling & then said do whatever he tells you to do. 

To have a God encounter you have to walk in obedience & do whatever he tells you to do. 

Most people are all in, once they know what they are getting all into. Jesus requires us to be all in without even knowing what's next. obedience! Don't try to figure out why or interpret, God speaks many languages & he's made many promises. We dont know what the end is going to look like but when we walk in faith supernatural things begin to take place. No matter what it looks like over here in my eyes, I dont know when it changed but somewhere from point "A" & point "B" it was wine! The miracle is never our responsibility. It's just our responsibility to walk in obedience. 

God wants to take us & pour in his spirit just like those jars & something supernatural begins to take place. 

God's ways are not our ways, So when it looks like water just keep walking & watch & see what God does!

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

(Pastor Caleb)

God Encounters 

"Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran." (Genesis 12:1-4 ESV)

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17 ESV)

Faith demands a commitment! We live in a time where people would rather quit because its easier than the struggle. 

God did not explain why to Abraham but he made him promises. God has those same promises for you. 

15 years later, Abraham is discouraged. 

"After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:1-6 ESV)

God encouraged Abraham by reminding him who he was. God places you some where for a purpose, do not quit! Don't make it about "you", focus on what God has for you.

"The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted." (Genesis 13:14-16 ESV)

Do not lean on the promise itself, Lean holy on the God that makes the promise! Put your faith in God. 

Abraham was tested, after he received his heir that God promised to give Abraham (descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky) but then he asked him to sacrifice that only heir.

"After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” (Genesis 22:1-5 ESV)

God tests us to purify our faith. God didn't want his son Isaac to be an idol in Abrahams life; b/c Isaac was a gift and an answer to a promise that God made. (Abraham came from Uz : a city where they worshiped idols. ) So God tested Abrahams faith. Abraham was obedient & put his trust in God's promise. 

and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. (James 2:23 ESV)

Remain faithful! 

God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

Jacob has deceived his brother & now his brother is coming to see him. So he divides up his family in preparation. As soon as he's alone he gets "jumped".

"The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh."(Genesis 32:22-32 ESV)

When Jacob begins to wrestle he doesn't know who it is but he realizes that it's not a natural being. This match lasted from sun up to sun down. God even messes up Jacobs leg & Jacob still goes for it. God says ok that's enough it's been all day, but Jacob refused to let go until he was blessed. God asked him his name, even though he already knew it. Because he wanted Jacob to admit who he was. A deceiver, a manipulator, & a liar. God changed his name b/c from that point forward everything would change. He was brand new & later Israel (Jacob) even became the father of God's chosen people. 

Israel - meaning wrestled with God

Peniel - meaning I've seen God & I live

Jacob - meaning deceiver, manipulator, liar. 

When God shows up & shows out, that's a God encounter! 

Theology & Doctrine can be read & taken from the bible but when we read it we read it through the filter of our own theology & doctrine. However, everything isn't based on how much you know b/c sometimes it just doesn't make sense, sometimes you just have to wrestle with God. It's about obedience. 

Encountering God

1) Encountering God is sometimes a process. (Jacob was beat up, it was messy) Don't give up too soon! Our culture medicates everything! Instead, wrestle through it! Embrace your problems, like "God its on!"

2) Encountering God will often change your destiny. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV) (Jacob later became the father of God's chosen people. ) ( paul was a mass murderer) (David, Peter, James, & John) 

3) Encountering God will cause you to walk differently. 

Saved by grace through faith! You can do nothing to deserve, receive, or achieve salvation = the greatest encounter. Choose to stick around & have a wrestling match with God.

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, (Matthew 3:8 NKJV)

I am Barrabas: He is my resurrection & life

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

I am Barrabas: He is my resurrection & life

"Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified." (Matthew 27:11-26 ESV)

Barrabas vs Jesus , surly Jesus would win right!? A criminal vs a healer. However, the people voted to release Barrabas instead. 

Your probably thinking, wow in comparison to Jesus, Barrabas shouldn't be released ! He is not worthy ...as if we are? It's easy to see others & point out their flaws. In that moment God decided, let my son Barrabas go free & crucify my other son Jesus. God knows that Barrabas is unworthy but that is the very purpose of Jesus's death.

 You and I are Barrabas! 

The resurrection of Christ, before there was a resurrection of Christ, was a reality to Barrabas 3 days before the actual resurrection. Foreshadowing & fulfillment of God's will. Christ put on the sins of humanity so that we could be born again. He suffered for the weight of our sins & took our place so that we don't have to die. Barrabas is the only one in all of history who can say that Christ PHYSICALLY took his place. 

.."by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:14 ESV)

You are free!

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon : Grace

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon 

Grace

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23 NLT)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NLT) 

Grace- undeserved, unmerited favor of God

 

A mother in law who was getting ready to retire from her job wanted to take her entire family to Disneyland. Her son in law was adopted into her family by marriage & did absolutely nothing to earn or deserve to go. She worked hard for many years at this particular job yet she selflessly chose to share this gift that she sacrificed herself for & worked so hard for (for so long) with her family. Not because they earned it or worked for it or were entitled to it. But because she loved them. This is a living example of grace (:

"Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” - (Basiclly asking what are you doing here b/c I am demonic) - For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. - (They were probably afraid of their own demons being revealed) - So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:26-39 ESV) 

*Read entire Luke 8

*Also read Mark 4

A LESSON OF GRACE! They took a trip & when they get to the other side they are assaulted by a naked maniac. The disciples had to be in shock & probably hiding behind Jesus. Humanity did the best they could to manage the naked man & keep him from hurting himself (Mark 4) BUT that didn't FREE him. This man couldn't help himself. Humanities best attempts do not set you free but the bible says, whom the Son sets free is free in deed. Jesus enters the scene & then the man is sitting clothed in his right mind! This is a picture of us separated from Jesus. Worldly grace says I'll give you another chance. Godly grace says I'll give you a brand new life! Jesus says, your not worthy but I created you & your not worthless. 

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— (Ephesians 2:4, 5 ESV)

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Repentance : Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Repentance

What in me needs to be addressed & changed? 

True repentance is not: getting caught, or diminishing sin (comparing), casting blame on others, or doing things to justify & feel good about your sin. 

Obedience is a response to Gods love & forgiveness; God doesn't bless us because we've earned it.

"One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50 NLT)

This woman was not invited & she didn't care, she needed to get to Jesus. Then she starts crying over his dirty nasty feet & wiping it with her hair & poured EXPENSIVE oil over his feet. Vs this Pharisees (religious political figure) who knows the religious customs very well BUT didn't bother to treat Jesus accordingly. 

1) True repentance will cost you something! Dreams, Relationships, Things. "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance"-Matthew 3:8 NKJV

2) True repentance seeks to serve others. Like this woman who served Jesus vs the Pharisees that could have but didn't. Get rid of your sin & then help someone else get rid of their sin. 

Sin is self serving!

3) True repentance lives for an audience of one. Do all things as unto Christ. Because my God said so, regardless of if it makes sense to the rest of the world. The Pharisees was more concerned with his reputation among men vs the woman who didn't care.

4) True repentance leaves a legacy. "I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Mark 14:9 NLT) Just like sin affects others around you so can your righteousness, for generations to come.

5) True repentance brings peace. Integrity brings peace. Reference the phrase "how can you sleep at night". Walking in sin brings no rest. 

 

Sin is a Process : Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

How does sin become active in our lives?

At the heart of sin is the essence of self-centeredness. 

People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:8, 13 CEB)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (James 1:12-14 NLT)

We ALL have a tendency (bent) towards something. The enemy can not read our thoughts like God can so the enemy observes us.. & when the enemy discovers our weakness he throws things out to see what causes us to stumble. 

Sin is not a single event it is a process!  (Genesis 3 - Adam & Eve)

The process:

Avoidance. Enticement. Dwelling. Guilt. Repeat. Rationalization. Adjusting boundaries. Re-evaluation. Choices. Flirtation. Step a toe in. Put a leg in. Submerged. Consumed. Then you question Gods word. Now you've created an appetite for it. Regret. You must kill it. Starve it! Desire  eventually changes. 

"The sinful nature does not want what the Spirit delights in. And the Spirit does not want what the sinful nature delights in. The two are at war with each other. That's what makes you do what you don't want to do."(war inside)

Sin is pleasurable for a season but its end is tragic death. 

God is good. 

We spend time trying to conquer the fruit of our behavior rather than the root of our behavior.  Picking off dead fruit from the tree but next year it will be right back again because the root isn't being addressed. 

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

1) Temptation: to try & trap to entice someone for the purpose of failure

These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (James 1:15 NLT)

When temptation arises God will provide an escape! You have to find it. 

2) Drawn away: to be lired away by bate. Much like a hunter or a fisherman goes after there game. (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

3) Desire: Deep desire, lust or desire for what is forbidden. (Iniquity) (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

4) Enticed : allure, bait, lure into sin  (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

5) Conceived: Join in helping, become pregnant. (Growing when fed like a baby in the womb).  (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

Example of #1-5

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. (Genesis 3:6 NLT) 

So what do I do? 

Hide Gods word in your heart.

Above everything else, guard your heart. It is where your life comes from. (Proverbs 4:23)

I destroy every claim and every reason that keeps people from knowing God. I keep every thought under control in order to make it obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIRV)

Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things. (Philippians 4:8)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8 NKJV)

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, (Matthew 3:8 NKJV)

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV)

Think Godly thoughts.

Man Sins & Jesus Saves (Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons)

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons

Sin is the number one thing that stands in the way of our relationship with God. In all 66 books in the bible the reoccurring theme is man sins & Jesus saves. 

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7 ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight (things that are making you ineffective & not adding to your journey), and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1, 2 ESV)

Sin was never meant to be in your life. Sin does not start with the action. It begins in the heart & starts as a thought. If you dont understand sin then you don't understand the need for a savior (nor grace).

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47 ESV)

Movie ref: God's Not Dead (last scene "what are you after") 

What is sin:

1) The thought of foolishness. Being without wisdom. Wisdom = the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 (The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. Proverbs 24:9, 11 ESV)

2) All unrighteousness  (unjust deed) is sin -All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 John 5:17 ESV)

3) Not doing good when you know you should do it is sin- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV)

4) Anything that's not of faith is sin. - But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 ESV)

5) Transgression of the law is sin - Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4 ESV) 

In our culture we think "whatever i wanna do is right." We want to erase boundary lines. As to say, you can get there however you want to as long as you get there. All lifestyles are ok. No! " I would rather lose in a competitive game then have no parameters at all. We need boundaries! " Everything is a matter of subjectivity. Internationally the 3 point line is a little different in basketball but the point is, there is still a 3 point line. 

What do i need:

1) You need to educate yourself with the bible - I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

2) Get a coach/mentor that will help you improve. Get a pastor - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NABRE). For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors. (Proverbs 11:14 NABRE)

3) Get around Christians that are further along in the spiritual journey - Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 NABRE)

..all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 NABRE)

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 NABRE)

What is Sin Really? (Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons)

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Reference: Joshua 7

Fatal Attraction:

You set a plan & execute but unexpected distractions create a lust that can cause fall. God has a plan laid out for us, yield to the holy spirit inside of us to stay focused & obedient. You can surround yourself with like minded ppl to hold you accountable but the reality is we surround ourselves with people just like us. Which creates opportunities to compromise to sin. 

God detest sin so much that he sent his son for the sinners. 

The purpose of the good news is that Christ came to save sinners! 

Pray what David prayed: Lord search me, try me, if you find anything in my life remove it b/c i dont want to be separated from you. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23, 24 ESV)

Teaching moment: 

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)

Sin:

1) Hurts you & others - Joshua 7:1,5 

This is why bad things happen to good people (ex.drunk driving victims).

2) Keeps you from fulfilling the purposes of God in your life (Joshua 7:4,7:12) <-- Blessings cant be earned like rewards & they aren't given according to whats deserved. "But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners." (Romans 4:5 NLT) But you block your inheritance when your sinning b/c God can't dwell where sin is! 

God can use anyone, NO MATTER the baggage. 

3) Keeps god from hearing your prayers (Joshua 7:7-10) <-- God cant hear you over your sin! Ask God what's in your life that you need to repent for? (Matt 5:24)

4) Be exposed in time (7:19-20) <-- God gives us every moment privately to repent. "Your sinning" & at that point you have to make a choice. Its not just those that commit the crime that are sinning but also those who know about it & do nothing. (Num 32:23) Sin isn't just what you do but also what you don't do. 

When you think your above sinning pride enters your life, right before the fall. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10 ESV)

Unbeknown sins: 

The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker. (Proverbs 24:9 NLT)

All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. (1 John 5:17 NLT)

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (Romans 14:23 NLT)

Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. (1 John 3:4 NLT)1

To be discussed: Sexual impurity, gossip, anger.