2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: God is Still God

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24

God is still God even though there are efforts to (minimize) Him, (change) Him, and even (delete) Him.

I.    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT GOD

What are they saying about God?

1. 1. 1. 1. Freud- (a crutch).
         2. Voltaire- (an invention of man).
         3. A (cosmic child abuser).
         4. A (mean, hateful entity) who delights in suffering and sending people to hell.
         5. A (moral monster).
         6. A culture of (confusion).

II.   WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT GOD            

“What you think about God shapes your whole relationship with Him. What you believe God thinks about you determines how close you will grow toward Him.” Ingram

2 non-negotiables:

1. 1. 1. 1. God is (not like us).
         2. God cannot (shrink to our level).

What does the Bible say?

1. 1. 1. 1. God is (sovereign).
         2. God is (good and powerful).
         3. God is (holy).
         4. God is (Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent).
         5. God is (loving).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Jesus Still Jesus- Mt. 16: 13-17; John 1:1-5, 14

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: The Truth is Still the Truth

Scripture: I Cor.1: 18-2:5

I.  THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN                             

Some terms we need to clarify;

1. 1. 1. 1. Post-Modernism- I will decide what is truth (in my own eyes).  (Feelings) trump (truth).  Truth has (no boundaries). There are no (absolutes).
         2. Post-Truth- There is truth but leaves it to (personal preference).
         3. (Deconstruction)- “The process of systematically dissecting and often rejecting the beliefs you grew up with.  It has little do with objective truth, and everything to do with (tearing down) whatever doctrine someone believes is morally wrong.” (Childers)

II.   THE BATTLE LINES OBLITERATED            

What does the post-truth thought do to the church?

1. 1. 1. 1. Avoid uncomfortable discussions.  (No truth)
         2. Truth is used to bludgeon outsiders. (No love)

“Whatever Jesus says is unquestionably right, and if it were not, then following Him is a waste of time.” John Cooper

What does Paul say about truth? I Cor. 1

1. 1. 1. 1. Human wisdom is (inferior).
         2. God’s wisdom is (superior).
         3. Man’s wisdom will be (destroyed).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: God is Still God- Psalm 139: 1-18, 23-24

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: The Bible is Still the Bible

Scripture: Psalm 19: 7-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

If the Bible is not true-if it is not the (Word of God)- all else (crumbles).

I.    PEOPLE ARE SAYING WHAT?

The ultimate authority in progressivism is (what you believe), whether it is based upon the Bible or simply upon your (own opinions and feelings).

What the voices are saying:

1. 1. 1. 1. The Bible was put together to (suit an agenda).
         2. The Bible is basically a (forgery).
         3. The Bible doesn’t contain the (real words of God) after all.
         4. The Bible can’t seem to keep its own (story straight).
         5. The whole basis of Christianity is in (question).
         6. God doesn’t care. Maybe He (isn’t even there).
         7. We get to (choose and decided) what is authentic.

II.   THE BIBLE IS SAYING WHAT?

5 basic areas which prove the Bible’s authenticity:

1. 1. 1. (Science) backs up the Bible.
      2. (Miracles) show the supernatural.
      3. (Prophecy) has proven its truth.
      4. (The life of Jesus) is further proof.
      5. (Experience).

Psalm 19 tells us what the Bible says about itself:

1. 1. 1. The Bible is (perfect). [v.7a]
      2. The Bible is (sure). [v.7b]
      3. The Bible is (right). [v.8a]
      4. The Bible is (pure). [v.8b]
      5. The Bible is (clean). [v.9a]
      6. The Bible is (true). [v.9b]

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Truth is Still the Truth- I Cor.1: 18-2:5

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Adding the Exclamation Point!

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-20

“Give me a place on which to stand, and I will move the earth.” Archimedes

 “What an individual is in secret, on his knees before God, that he is and no more.” John Owen

I.        DANIEL’S SECRET                         

“I will always avoid prophesying beforehand, because it is a much better policy to prophecy after the event has already taken place.” Churchill

Daniel is reading in the midst of rebuilding and rubble. He is not reading building plans, but instead is reading (God’s blueprint for Israel).

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.” Ten Boom

Insights on prayer from Daniel:

· Insight #1- Daniel’s desire to pray came out of his (reading the Scriptures).

· Insight #2- Daniel’s prayer took him into (the presence of God).

II.        DANIEL’S SECRET INGREDIENTS  

The contents of Daniel’s prayer:

1.       (Concentration).

2.       (Humility).

3.       (Honesty).

Elements of Daniel’s prayer we need to have in ours:

1)      (Praise) (v.4)

2)      (Confession). (Vv.5-6)

3)      (Petition). (Vv.16-18)

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: The Bible is Still the Bible- Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Hint: We Win

Scripture: Daniel 7

I.  WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Daniel 7 moors us spiritually, and emotionally, in something beyond our optimism or our pessimism. It tells us that things (are far worse that we thought), but far better (than we’ve ever hoped).

“Apocalyptic” writing is used when normal words fail. This is especially true of Daniel and Revelation. What it says? It may not look like it but (God is on the throne) and the future is (securely in His hands).

It is not possible to understand Daniel 7 without recognizing there is a (devil), that he is (active and hostile), and there is a great spiritual battle going on between the (forces of evil) and the (forces of God). Check out Eph.6:12

II. THE KING OF THE JUNGLE

“Ancient of Days” is a description of God. “It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31) “Our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb.12:29)

What is Daniel being shown?
1. He is (not alone).
2. The kingdom of man (starts to crumble) as the court sits in judgment..

Summary of vision: God (has won), and God (will win) and His people (will reign)-but the war is not over yet

Next Week: Series: “Against the Grain”
Title:  Adding the Exclamation Point – Daniel 9

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Who’s Afraid of Big Cats?

Scripture: Daniel 6

Daniel is condemned to death in a most gruesome manner because he chooses (loyalty to God) over (obedience to the state).

     I.        BE FAITHFUL- (STAND YOUR GROUND)                          

120 satraps (overseers) -> 3 governors -> Darius

Daniel teaches us a very vital lesson here: (Be true to God) even when it may cost you.

There was no attempt by Daniel (to hide his faith).

Dynamic at work: (Evil men) will not stop at trying to entrap a (godly man).

   II.        BE FAITHFUL- (TRUST YOUR GOD)         

Why can we trust God?

1.       Because we can (rest in God’s plan). (16-18)

2.       Because we can be (certain of God’s power) (19-24)

Daniel’s words: “found innocent.” What do they mean? When the heat was applied (I chose God).

Next Week: Series:  “Against the Grain”

Title: Hint: We Win-  Daniel 7

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Sign Language

Scripture: Daniel 5

I.        SEEN AND CONFRONTED                    

The history of Belshazzar: many say he (didn’t exist). He was actually the son of Nabonidus who was married to Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter.

When Belshazzar called for the sacred items from the Temple, he showed contempt for two:

1.       His (grandfather) who stored them out of respect.

2.       The (God) Nebuchadnezzar grew to worship.

II.        EXPOSED AND JUDGED

A look at the inscription:

1)      MENE MENE- God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.

2)      TEKEL- You have been weighed and found deficient.

3)      PERES- His kingdom already given to the Medes and Persians

How the handwriting on the wall for all of us:

1.       God sees (our sin) when we (mock His glory).

2.       God (confronts) us about our sin.

3.       God (exposes) our sin.

4.       God deals with our sin and (brings judgment).

Next Week: Series:  “Against the Grain”

Title: Who’s Afraid of Big Cats?-  Daniel 6

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Untouched!

Scripture: Daniel 3

The devil temps us to (destroy us); God tests us to (develop our faith).

     I.        THE CHALLENGE OF IDOLATRY           

Nebuchadnezzar’s statue was 90 ft. high and 9 ft. wide.  What do we see? The king (was charmed) by his dream (ch.2) but was not (changed) by it.  (Strong convictions) often come short of (sound conversions).

The orders? (Bow or else).  Idolatry-> worshiping something a human has made instead of worshiping the God who made the humans.  [Turn to Romans 1:21-23, 25]

   II.        THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION       

“We are what we worship.”  Worship is our response to (what we value most).

Q: How do I know where and what I worship?

A: Follow the trail of your (time), (affection), (energy), (money), and (loyalty).

Next Week: Series:  “Sign Language”

Title: Untouched!  Daniel 5

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Nailed!

Scripture: Daniel 4

“Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the person who has it.”

Nothing is ever (wasted). No (plan or word of God’s) is ever wasted. God is not a God of (random acts).  He is not a God of random, (disconnected) lessons.

     I.        GOD GETS HIS ATTENTION       

How it goes down:

1.       The Vision: (bliss). (10-12)

2.       The Interpretation: an (upheaval). (13-17)

   II.        GOD HAS A PURPOSE       

1.       God exposes our (sin) and calls us to (holiness).  “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” Pr.16:5

2.       God exposes our (pride and arrogance) and calls us to (humility). “And the pride of humanity will be humbled, and the arrogance of people will be brought low; and the Lord alone will be exalted on that day.” Is.2:17

3.       God exposes our (weakness) to show us His (power). See James 4:6,10 and Psalm 121:1-2

Next Week: Series:  “Against the Grain”

Title: Untouched!  Daniel 3

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Don’t Panic!

Scripture: Daniel 2

I.        A KING AND HIS DREAMS

Sometimes God creates impossible situations in order to (show His power and glory), His greatness.

“Praise to Him Who Specializes in the Impossible.”

Daniel knew the God he served. He knew He had (all knowledge).  He knew He was totally capable of making (His will known).

II.        A PROPHET AND HIS INTERPRETATION

What does this prophecy mean?

1.       Head of gold: (Babylonian kingdom).

2.       Chest and arms of silver: (Medes-Persians).

3.       Belly and thigh of bronze: (Grecian empire).

4.       Legs of iron and feet of iron and clay: (Roman empire).

Human history is under the (control of God), and He has a purpose which will be achieved.

Three things happened as a result of interpreting the dream:

1)      Daniel was (respected) and God (acknowledged).

2)      Daniel was (promoted)

3)      Daniel did not (forget his prayer partners).

Next Week: Series:  “Against the Grain”

Title: Untouched!  Daniel 3