Megas | LOVE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY
Message Recap
In tough times you see both the best and worst of people
In tough times you see both the best and worst of yourself
The purpose of the church goes beyond worshipping Jesus to doing the kinds of things that Jesus did.
Book Pastor Greg references “The Rise of Christianity” by Rodney Stark
3 ways the church rises above obstacles
Courage
Compassion
Humility
It’s the church’s impulse to move toward the needy, displayed in heroic sacrifice, is entirely Christlike.
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[I Corinthians 12:27]
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
We are the body of Christ. This means it takes all of us doing our part to accomplish God’s purpose. Right now it is more obviously true than ever.
This time RIGHT NOW will be the most powerful time that you ever have had in your relationship with God.
Relationships are often cemented during tough times. Lean into God and watch what happens in your relationship with Him.
When you accepted Christ, the inside of you changed. it wasn’t just a feeling. It was a complete renewing of your mind to a new understanding of life and God.
[James 4:8]
Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
Much of the Bible was written during hostile situations. Last week’s message (Paul’s is run out of Antioch by a mob, he’s threatened with stoning in Iconium, and then in Lystra he actually is stoned to the point that he has a brush with death.)
We now have a different understanding of these Bible events as we live out this time of uncertainty and fear.
God has been preparing you in ways that you don’t even know. You are more prepared for this than you think you are.
You are stronger than you think you are. You can handle more than you think you can.
Don't worry about becoming arrogant with the confidence of God. We can’t be arrogant once we understand the depth of our sin and the magnitude of God’s grace.
If you are discontent with superficial religion then this is a great time for you. Why? Because it creates an urgency around deeper conversations.
[Galatians 5:16-17]
let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Our sinful nature is selfish. Our sinful nature is cowardly.
The flesh always finds an excuse.
One of the ugly things about times like this is that they can tend to push us into selfishness and not only does that precipitate more selfishness, but we don’t even like ourselves when we’re selfish.
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[Galatians 5:25]
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
The flesh is insecure and is self serving. The Spirit is secure and serves others.
Your Flesh makes you a coward.
Your Spirit makes you a hero.
Your flesh wants to take.
Your spirit wants to give.
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[Matthew 26:41]
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
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[Mark 2:1-5]
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
Flesh always finds an excuse, but love always finds a way.
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[I Corinthians 13:7]
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Let’s pull together as the body of Christ right now.
Love always finds a way!
Discussion Questions
What new opportunities do you think can exist through the current crisis?
What are some ways we can move forward and help others to move forward?
What are some ways you can see that God has prepared you for this current situation?
How have you seen relationships change or evolve through this current time?
How have you heard God speak over the last few days or week?
In what ways have you experienced or observed the war between the flesh and the spirit?
What are some ways you have seen love find a way in your life or in those around you?