Church In The Wild
Lesson 3: Prepared In The Wilderness
May 16 & 17, 2020
Ephesians 5:1 We come to God as sinners; but He wants to transform our habits, attitudes, and practices into the ways of Jesus: to live, forgive, and love as He did.
The Voice
God Wants To GROW US When Troubles Surround US
God Isn’t Responsible For Our Trouble In The Wilderness
Bad Things Come From: Our Enemy,A Broken Earth, Bad Choices, Bad People, and Imperfect People
2 Corinthians 1:8 I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. Living Bible
2 Corinthians 1:9 We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us,for he can even raise the dead. Living Bible
2 Corinthians 1:10 And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect him to do it again and again. Living Bible
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy [Message Bible: A sheer gift], my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, New International Version
James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. New International Version
James 1:3-4 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. The Message
1 Peter 4:12 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. The Message
1 Peter 4:13 Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. The Message
Fill-Up When You’re Tested In The Wilderness
Luke 5:15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. New International Version
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. New International Version
Colossians 2:6 And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with him. Living Bible
Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done. Living Bible
Pushback When You’re Tested In The Wilderness
Pushback By Rejoicing And Giving Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. New Living Translation
Pushback By Loving, Praying For, And Forgiving Others
Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 ButI tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven… New International Version