Some say that faith is the thing that keeps them grounded in life and others might say it’s a crutch people use. But what is the real purpose of my faith? What purpose does God have for my faith and is it to only benefit me or might God just be up to something much greater?

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MESSAGE NOTES

There’s nothing worse than signing up for something and then finding out that there’s a catch, after you’re already committed.

 

Thankfully, Jesus didn’t do that

 

[Matthew 4:18-20]

“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.”

 

He informs you upfront what it will mean. You will become something you’re not

The end goal of our faith is the inclusion of those who aren’t in it yet

 

[Luke 15:1-2]

“Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!”

 

[Luke 19:10]

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

 

[Matthew 28:16-17]

“ Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him – but some of them doubted.”

 

 

[John 14:15-17]

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”

 

 

[Matthew 26:18-20]

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

 

The three most important things to remember if we want to see the presence of God in our lives:

 

  1. JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH

 

[Philippians 2:7-11]

“Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

2. YOU CAN JOIN HIM IN HIS PLAN TO RESCUE MY FRIENDS/FAMILY

 

[Matthew 28:19]

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

 

[John 20:21]

“Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.””

 

[2 Corinthians 5:18]

“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”

 

3. YOU AREN’T ALONE IN 

 

[Matthew 28:20]

“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

 

[Hebrews 13:5b-6]

“…For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

 

If you want to see God at work IN your life, get involved in the Work of God WITH your life.

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Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?

2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?

3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?

4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?