I HAVE A REASON TO ACT LIKE THIS Today we embark on a journey exploring the profound connections between gratitude and deliverance. We will delve into the rich lessons from two powerful sermons: "The Not So Distant Deliverance" based on Luke 7:1-10 and "I Have A Reason to Act Like This " with a focus on gratitude as foundational, non-invitational, and intentional. In this exploration, we discover how these seemingly distinct themes intertwine, creating a tapestry of faith that enriches our understanding of God's love and transformative power. Our study revolves around three main points that encapsulate the essence of these sermons and their harmonious interplay.
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE JESUS IS NOT FAR FROM YOU! REMEMBER....
1. Gratitude is Foundational As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
2.Jesus is For Everyone First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and acceptable before God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human,6 who gave himself a ransom for all —this was attested at the right time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6
3.Embrace Intentionality But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves[d] in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25
Today’s Activity Bridge Builders:
Walking With Jesus, Expressing Gratitude 1. On the next page, use the stones to draw or write something symbolic of your gratitude. 2.Connect all the individual pieces to create a "Bridge of Salvation” to lead from the aisle to the exit area of the gym. 3.Reflect on how, just as the bridge connects diverse elements, Jesus connects and saves people from all walks of life.
God is still in the blessing business. Your pain, struggles, and mess ups won’t cause tour blessings to dry up. You can move from pain to praise!