parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self control, brutal, haters of good,
Living The Gospel in A Godless Culture Session 1 February 4, 2018
Session 1 – People Dick Gygi “But realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. II Timothy 3:1-5 Our Calling as Image-bearers: Living with Purpose Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27 I All Mankind is created as His Image-bearers Image-bearers are like a __________, reflecting our image back to the world. The mirror reflects God’s image through us, but an image-bearer is more like an _______ _______ allowing the world to see in both directions; our image, and a reflection of the love and care of Christ at the same time. Those looking in the angled mirror don’t seem so ______________ and ___________, because they see in two directions. N.J. Wright God created all mankind in His Image, male and female alike. God in His goodness and kindness had His people in mind before the foundation of the world. As God’s image-bearers, we are all equal in dignity and worth. God did not distinguish between the _______________ and __________________ in creating all mankind in His image. Understanding our _________as Image-bearers changes everything about our human relationships. As Image-bearers, we should view others as God sees us. 2
II Spiritual Leaders Move People on to God’s Agenda Only when we understand leadership in light of God’s call on our life, only then, can we lead effectively. God is not looking for leaders as we generally think about leaders, He is looking for ________________________. Matt 20:25-28, Gal. 5:13 Spiritual leadership is not just for pastors and the church, it is the responsibility of all Christians whom God calls to make a difference in the world by influencing God’s people toward God’s ________________________. “Spiritual Leadership” Henry and Richard Blackaby “There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. On the other hand, if developed and leveraged, that one thing has the potential to create unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life…that one thing is ____________” “The Speed of Trust” Stephen M.R. Covey “And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man_______________ in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Colossians 1:28-29 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10 Spiritual Leaders take people from ______ _____ _____ to where God ______ _____ __ __. God has a specific agenda for every person and every organization. III
Nehemiah: At Work on Purpose
“And they said to me, ‘The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire.’ “Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, I 3
beseech Thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who keep His commandments, let Thine ear be attentive and Thine eyes open to hear the prayer of Thy servant which I am praying before Thee now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Thy servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against Thee; I and my father’s house have sinned.” Nehemiah 1:3-6 Nehemiah prayed/spent ___________ ___________ with God. He established a reasonable and attainable goal, and waited on God’s timing. At the appointed time, he made his appeal to the King. Nehemiah went about his job as the cupbearer to the King. The King asked, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. The King said to me, “What would you request? “ So I _______________to the God of heaven. “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the __________ __________. IV ThriftSmart: At Work on Purpose (Live Smart, ThriftSmart) “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do the good work he prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 ThriftSmart exists to provide value to customers, opportunity for employees, and benefit to charities by operating the best thrift stores in the world and promoting thrifty living – all for God’s glory. Non-profits are often not ______________. They depend on _______________ as a single source of income. ThriftSmart was created as a _______________ with a Mission. We are passionate about community and life transformation. We give _____of profit to four charities: New Hope Academy, Mercy Community Healthcare, African Leadership, Inc, The Belize Project. We are also 100% ______, and 100% _____
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Questions for Discussion 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
What is the good work God has prepared in advance for you to do? How has he prepared you in advance for the work He has called you to? How can you discern your calling as an Image-bearer of God? How can we as Christ-followers impact the culture every day? What relationships has God put in front of you that are a risk to your status in the community or the workplace?
Answer Key: mirror angled Mirror isolated, alone Christian, Non-Christian equality servants purposes trust complete where they are, wants them to be time alone prayed good work sustainable, philanthropy Business green, clean
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